Protesting Junior Doctors write to President Murmu and PM Modi Seeking their Intervention to End Impasse

The protesting doctors of the West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Front on Friday wrote a letter to President Draupadi Murmu seeking her intervention to end the ongoing impasse over the crisis surrounding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A copy of the letter calling for immediate action has also been sent to Prime Minister Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Health Minister JP Nadda.

"We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension,” read the letter.

The doctors’ letter highlighted severe deficiencies in infrastructure and safety measures at the hospital, which they believe are contributing to their current plight. They urged that the President's intervention would be a guiding light through their ongoing struggle. "Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us," the letter added.

"The horrific nature of the crime, the alleged attempts to cover it up, and the ensuing climate of fear have awakened the nation, demanding an impartial investigation and a prompt, fair, and rational trial," the doctors wrote in the letter.

The letter also pointed out the outpour of public support seeking justice for a life so brutally cut short, noting movements such as 'Reclaim the Night,' which showcased widespread demand for accountability. The doctors expressed their frustration with the situation, stating that the “climate of fear and distrust” has forced them to seek alternative ways to provide healthcare services, avoiding hospital premises.

The protestors have alleged that the ongoing protests have been marked by increased incidents of institutional threats, and violence perpetuated by people in “connection” with the ruling party. The letter reflected on these issues, urging for a resolution that would restore order and safety within the medical community. "The horrific nature of the crime, the alleged attempts to cover it up, and the ensuing climate of fear have awakened the nation," it noted.

Earlier in August, President Murmu had expressed her shock and dismay at the incident, referring to it as part of a troubling pattern of crimes against women. "What is more depressing is that it was not the only incident of its kind... it was part of a series of crimes against women," she said. She also criticized the societal tendency to overlook such cases, referring to it as "collective amnesia."

This letter comes a day after the West Bengal government invited the protesting doctors for to break the deadlock so that the junior doctors can go back to their duties. However, the meeting did not proceed as the doctors refused to attend, demanding a live telecast of the discussions. "I am ready to resign for the sake of the people as, despite my best intentions and efforts in the last three days, the junior doctors declined to hold talks,” said Mamata Banerjee. "We have been waiting for over two hours to meet our doctor brothers and sisters who were invited here. We wrote them a letter and they wrote us back assuring that they will come. Only after receiving their confirmation, we invited them but it's been two hours and there is no communication from them yet…Solutions can only be found through dialogues,” added the West Bengal Chief Minister.​