Allahabad doctors on protest against lady colleague’s rape and murder in Kolkata hospital. All medical services, except emergency, will remain suspended from 6am on August 17 till 6 am on August 18. Doctors appeal to journalists and others, to join the peaceful candle march from SRN hospital to Subhash Chandra Bose crossing in Civil Lines at 5 pm on August 17 in the memory of their colleague and also in silent protest against her rape and murder:
By B.K. Singh
The nationwide doctor’s stir in protest against the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata is getting serious.
Doctors here in Allahabad have decided to close down all medical services from 6 am Saturday, August 17th till 6 am on August 18th.
However, they have decided to let emergencies function normally in order to render medical services to serious and needy patients.
This 24-hour shutdown has been decided to be carried out following the call given by the Indian Medical Association, the parent body.
As a mark of nonviolent protest, doctors will carry out a candle march from SRN hospital up to Subhash Crossing in Civil Lines at 5 pm on August 17.
“We don’t see this protest march as one of doctors alone. This is a march against brutality in which women are targets. A march to protect the honor of our sisters and colleagues. In this case, an innocent lady doctor on duty was raped and murdered most brutally”.
Thus, “we call upon the people to join this peaceful candle march with us and render their support to a cause that involves the safety and security of our sisters and mothers”.
Talking to media persons AMA President Dr Kamal Singh demanded immediate arrest of the culprits, their quick trial, and strict punishment. He demanded the arrest of other culprits as it was not possible for one person to carry out such a crime single-handedly.
The autopsy found the presence of 150 gm of semen inside her private parts. This clearly indicates the involvement of several persons.
Doctors have demanded the enactment of a central law to protect doctors and other health workers from all types of atrocities.
All healthcare centers should be declared as special protected areas.
The National Medical Council should be empowered to implement strict rules related to the safety of all modern medical doctors and medical students working anywhere in India.
While narrating the sequence of events the AMA President said, the victim’s doctor was on duty till late hours in the night. Since she was supposed to come on duty the next morning also, she decided to watch the Javelin throw of Neeraj Chopra at the Olympic games on the TV.
Sadly, in the morning she was found in a naked state with her legs 180 degrees apart. Her hip bone was broken.
Her parents came running after they were told that their daughter had committed suicide. Strangely, they were made to wait for three hours by the police before being allowed to see their daughter.
What they saw was a slap in the face of humanity, said the AMA President.
It is shocking that such cruelty is still going on against women in our society despite the fact that we have just celebrated 78 years of independence.
The incident reminds us of the brutality that was committed with Nirbhaya known as ‘Nirbhaya Kand’, lamented the AMA president.
Among others representing the doctors’ association included Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Subodh Jain, Dr. Sujit Singh, Dr. Anoop Chauhan and others.
