It has been over two months since the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In response, doctors and citizens across India, particularly from Kolkata, have been standing in solidarity, calling for justice.
As part of these efforts, a Citizens Mass Convention is scheduled for today, Friday, October 11. MBBS student Dr Abhinaba Pal informed about this fathering via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Dr Pal, a general physician and travel vlogger, wrote, "Citizens Mass Convention 63 days have crossed and still no response. So on 11th October, 2024, at 5 PM, we are giving a call to all of you at 'Dharmatala Hunger Strike Protest Site.'"
In his post, Dr Pal further highlighted two points which will be central to the convention. They are:
1. Justice for Abhaya, the deceased doctor, especially since there has been no action regarding the same even after 132 plus hours of indefinite hunger strike. Also, Dr Aniket Mahato was shifted to the ICU at RG Kar Hospital as his health was deteriorating
2. Immediate release of nine protestors who were "picked up" at Tridhara Durga Puja. They have been subjected to police custody by the Alipore court
The nine protesters, mentioned in the post, were arrested on October 9 and were produced before the Alipore District & Sessions Court on October 10. These arrests took place at the Tridhara Sammilani Puja in Deshapriya Park, South Kolkata, where 29 demonstrators were detained for allegedly distributing protest pamphlets.
Junior doctors, along with other concerned citizens, have been actively protesting the heinous rape-murde case.
On October 5, seven protesters launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding justice.