West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Ready To Meet Doctors Protesting RG Kar Rape And Murder; Agitators Demand Larger Delegation

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to meet doctors protesting the rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College at 6 pm today (11 September) at the state secretariat 'Nabanna'.

The meeting comes a day after the Supreme Court's deadline urging protesting doctors to report back to work ended but the doctors did not end their protests.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, in a letter, suggested that the delegation of doctors include 12-15 representatives. However, the doctors demanded to allow a delegation of 30 members.

The doctors have been staging demonstrations outside Swasthya Bhawan, the state's health secretariat, demanding justice for the 9 August rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor.

Their demands include action against those responsible, individuals involved in a potential cover-up, and the resignation of senior officials, such as the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Health Secretary.

Dr Aniket Mandal, a spokesperson for the protesting doctors, stated that they had learned through media reports about the Chief Minister’s readiness for a discussion.

In addition to seeking the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and top health officials, the doctors are also demanding safer working conditions in the state’s hospitals.

Earlier, the state government reached out to the protestors, inviting them for a discussion to resolve the deadlock. However, the doctors rejected the invitation citing that the meeting request came from the health secretary, whose resignation they are demanding.

The doctors have vowed not to resume work until their demands are fulfilled. They have set up makeshift facilities with fans, food, and water, indicating they are prepared for a long protest.