Doctors in Amritsar Hold Candle March for Justice in Kolkata Trainee Doctor Case
The Indian Medical Association in Amritsar organized a candle march on Sunday to show solidarity with a trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Demands for Justice
A protesting doctor emphasized the need for proper protocols for fast-track action against violence towards doctors. She stated, “We have gathered here to demand justice for the victim. At the central level, there should be protocols designed so that if any doctor or health worker faces violence at their workplace or outside, there should be a proper protocol in place for swift action on a fast-track basis.”
Another doctor echoed similar sentiments, calling for stricter laws and immediate action against violence towards doctors. He remarked, “What happened is not the first time; it has been happening for a long time. The laws related to this should be stricter. On one hand, girls are given the status of goddesses, but on the other hand, they face such incidents.”
Investigation and Legal Actions
Earlier in the day, the CBI team investigating the case conducted 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Psychological testing of the main accused was also conducted by a CBI psychologist who arrived in Kolkata on Saturday.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, with a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, set to hear the case on August 20.
Nationwide Protests
The incident has triggered massive outrage, leading to protests from various sectors. Football fans protested near Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, resulting in the cancellation of the Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Junior doctors and students continue to protest at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Security Measures
On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking nationwide protests by doctors and medical professionals. On August 14, the protest site and hospital campus were vandalized by a mob, leading to police intervention. To maintain law and order, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC), around the Medical College and Hospital for seven days, effective from Sunday (August 18) to Saturday (August 24).
Doubts Revealed
Candle March -: A candle march is when people walk together holding candles to show support or protest peacefully.
Indian Medical Association -: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a group of doctors in India who work together to improve healthcare and support doctors.
Trainee Doctor -: A trainee doctor is someone who is learning to become a full doctor by working in a hospital.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a big hospital and medical school in Kolkata where doctors and students learn and work.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation, which is a special police force in India that investigates serious crimes.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India where very important cases are decided.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather to show they are unhappy about something and want change.
Section 163 -: Section 163 is a rule that police can use to control crowds and keep peace in a specific area.
