Mamata Banerjee calls on doctors to return to duty, rejects offers of money for deceased doctor's family

Calcutta (West Bengal) [India]September 6 (ANI): Amid ongoing protests against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a government hospital in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged doctors to return to work and denied offering money to the family of a deceased doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata.

Addressing an administrative review meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar, Banerjee stated, “The Supreme Court has asked the doctors to resume work immediately. I also request them to resume duty and if they want to meet me, they are welcome anytime.” Encouraging people to “return to the festivities” as Durga Puja approaches, Banerjee asked junior doctors to resume duty as soon as possible. She dismissed the allegations of offering money to the victim's family as “defamation” and a conspiracy between the Central and Left parties.

“I never offered any money to the family of the deceased doctor, this is nothing but defamation. I told the parents of the deceased doctor that if they want to do anything in the memory of their daughter, our government is behind them. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal has offered his resignation after RG Kar's protests, but we need someone who knows law and order before Durga Puja,” she said.

The Supreme Court on Monday, while hearing the case related to the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, reminded that no action should be taken against doctors if they return to work by 5 pm tomorrow.

The court, however, noted that in case of failure, it would not be able to restrain the state government and further absence from work could lead to disciplinary action against the accused.

She further explained that if they had any demands, they would have to forward them to the health department and they would accept them. She further mentioned that two doctors had already been suspended following a complaint.

“We have accepted all your demands; just speak to the health department about this. According to a complaint, two doctors have already been suspended,” she added.

Banerjee alleged that migrant workers from Rajasthan were attacked in Odisha, leaving three people dead. She claimed that there were targeted attacks in the BJP-ruled state of Bengal. She stressed that such incidents would not be tolerated in West Bengal.

Banerjee also blamed outsiders for the rise in crime in the state and asked them to take “responsibility”. Referring to the Aparajita Women and Children (West Bengal Penal Law Amendment) Act, 2024, she said, “Implementation of the Aparajita Act is our priority; if the Act is approved, it will be implemented.” She also asked the officials to maintain the healthcare infrastructure and ensure that no action is taken against the doctors.

Banerjee blamed outsiders for increasing crime in the state and asked them to take responsibility. She alleged that the ongoing protests were a conspiracy of the central government and the CPI-M and that the Reclaim the Night movement was causing unrest among senior citizens.

“Some people who are taking advantage of the unrest in neighboring countries have forgotten that India and Bangladesh are two different nations,” Banerjee said.

Mamata Banerjee also directed district magistrates and police superintendents to be on high alert during Durga Puja and asked the Election Commission to extend the deadline for voter ID card registration by a month due to Puja preparations.

A second-year medical student was raped and murdered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. (ANI)