Doctors Reject Mamata Banerjee’s Tea Invitation Amid RG Kar Hospital Protest
In a show of solidarity and resolve, protesting doctors in Kolkata turned down West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s invitation for a tea meeting on Saturday. The medical professionals remain firm in their demand for justice regarding the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old medical intern at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which took place a month ago.
The protests, which have been ongoing for weeks, continue to call for a swift investigation and accountability for the horrific crime. The refusal to engage with the Chief Minister in a casual tea meeting reflects the doctors’ deep frustration and determination to see justice served before any pleasantries or negotiations can take place.
Protesting doctors walk towards the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the meeting on Saturday Source: PTI
“We will only sit for tea once justice is delivered,” the demonstrators emphasized. They made it clear that symbolic gestures would not distract them from their cause.
Failed Attempts for Open Dialogue
Dr. Aqeeb, one of the key members of the group that met with Chief Minister Banerjee, shared the group’s concerns following the invitation. He explained that the doctors had requested that their meeting with the Chief Minister be broadcast live to ensure transparency and public accountability. However, this request was denied.
“We were invited to Kalighat for an official discussion, and while we initially asked for the meeting to be live-streamed, we compromised on that and suggested recording the meeting instead,” said Dr. Aqeeb. “But even that request was turned down.”
He further elaborated that when the Chief Minister proposed a tea meeting, the junior doctors rejected the offer, reiterating that justice for their fallen colleague was their priority. “We asked for the minutes of the meeting at the very least, but we were told that even that was delayed and that nothing could be done,” Dr. Aqeeb added.
A Break in the Case
While the protest continues, a significant development occurred on Saturday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made key arrests in connection with the delays surrounding the case. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, and a police officer were arrested for their alleged roles in delaying the filing of the police report and tampering with evidence related to the intern’s death.
Dr. Aqeeb commented on these arrests, stating that they lent further credibility to the doctors’ concerns. “This is what we’ve been fighting for—an investigation into the institutional failures that allowed this tragedy to happen. Sandip Ghosh’s arrest shows that there were serious lapses, and we won’t stop until all those responsible are held accountable.”
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Dr Aqeeb, who was part of the delegation that went to meet CM Mamata Banerjee, says, "…We were asked to come for an official dialogue at Kalighat, we went there – when we went there, we even compromised with our demand that the meeting be live… pic.twitter.com/0Iivi7vhUK
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2024
Doctors Demand Systemic Change
The doctors are not only seeking justice for the victim but are also calling for broader reforms to ensure such tragedies do not happen again. The incident has highlighted systemic issues within the medical community, including safety for interns and junior doctors, the handling of sexual assault cases, and the need for institutional accountability.
“This protest is not just about one case,” Dr. Aqeeb explained. “It’s about ensuring that our hospitals are safe places for everyone, from patients to staff. We need to create an environment where crimes like this cannot occur, and if they do, they must be handled swiftly and transparently.”
A Long Road Ahead
As the protests continue, the doctors remain committed to their cause. They have vowed not to engage in discussions with political leaders unless they see real progress in the investigation and a genuine effort to address their concerns.
“The tea invitation is meaningless if justice is delayed,” one protestor said. “We need action, not symbolism.”
The protest at RG Kar Hospital is now entering a crucial phase, with the medical community and the public watching closely to see if the demands of the doctors will be met and if justice will be served for the young intern whose life was tragically cut short.
