A wave of anger and solidarity swept through the streets of Siliguri as undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with junior doctors and interns from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, held a torch-light procession. The march was organized to protest the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, a crime that has sent shockwaves across the medical community and the state of West Bengal.

The torch-light procession saw a large turnout of medical students and professionals, all determined to express their outrage over the heinous act and to demand swift justice for the victim. The participants marched through the streets of Siliguri, chanting slogans calling for justice and emphasizing the need for safety and security for medical professionals, especially women, working in hospitals.

Widespread Anger and Grief

The victim, a young woman doctor, was found brutally raped and murdered in the premises of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The tragic incident has sparked widespread anger and grief across the state, with protests and demonstrations being organized by various medical associations, students, and social groups. The protest in Siliguri was one of many across West Bengal as the medical fraternity stands united in mourning and demanding justice.

One of the protesting junior doctors stated, ‘We are out on the streets today not only to demand justice for our colleague but also to highlight the growing insecurity faced by medical professionals, particularly women, in our hospitals. This is not just about one case; this is about ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.’

Demands for Justice and Reform

The protestors are demanding immediate and thorough investigation into the rape and murder case, along with the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. They are also calling for reforms within hospital premises to ensure the safety and security of doctors, particularly those who are vulnerable during night shifts or while working in isolated parts of the hospital.

The administration of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital expressed their solidarity with the protesting students and doctors, stating that they fully support the demand for justice and will work towards ensuring a safer environment for all their medical staff. ‘This incident has shocked us all. We cannot allow such atrocities to occur within the walls of our medical institutions. We will be working closely with authorities to improve security measures,’ a hospital spokesperson said.

Solidarity Across Medical Institutions

The torch-light procession in Siliguri is part of a larger movement of solidarity across medical institutions in West Bengal and beyond. Various medical colleges and hospitals have expressed their support for the protests and are planning similar demonstrations in the coming days. The incident has brought to the forefront concerns regarding the safety of medical professionals, particularly in high-pressure environments where long working hours and understaffing are common.

As the investigation into the rape and murder case continues, medical professionals, students, and citizens alike are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. ‘We will not rest until justice is done,’ said one of the student protestors. ‘This is not just about one woman doctor; this is about all of us who dedicate our lives to saving others. We deserve to work in a safe environment.’

The torch-light procession in Siliguri was a powerful reminder that the medical community is united in its demand for justice and reform, and that the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital will not be forgotten.