West Bengal: IMA delegation reaches Kolkata, meets parents of rape-murder victim

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 14 : A delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), led by National President Dr RV Asokan, visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to meet with the parents of Kolkata rape-murder incident.
The incident that took place on August 9, has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests within and beyond the medical community.
Dr Asokan shared the devastating experience of meeting the victim's parents, highlighting their anguish over the lack of communication following the incident.
"As a team, IMA went and met the parents of the victim, and we were shattered. They are totally helpless; they have a lot to say about how the incident was not informed to them for several hours. They were not allowed to meet the Principal," he said.
The IMA has called on the West Bengal Government to implement supportive measures for the grieving family. With the investigation now transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Dr Asokan emphasized the need for a fair and transparent inquiry.
"Our demand from the WB Govt is that there have to be supportive measures for the family. Now the investigation has been given to the CBI. They have to be fair and transparent and need to find the other culprits," he added.
The protests were held in the cities of Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Mumbai on Wednesday. The protestors were holding placards, "Justice needs to be served", "No duty without security" and "Justice delayed is Justice denied"
President of the Resident Doctors Association, AIIMS, Dr Indra Shekhar Prasad said, "... What happened in Kolkata is not the only incident of its kind. Many such cases are happening daily in the country... Being a doctor is one of the noblest professions, we work in a temple-like atmosphere, and if doctors are not safe, how will the patients feel safe? Till the time we get concrete assurance of a long-term and strict law for the safety and security of doctors, health workers, and hospitals, we will continue with our strike...

Vice-President of the Resident Doctors Association, AIIMS, Dr Suvrankar Datta said, "Our primary demand is to work on the security lapse in the medical infrastructure of the country... What happened in Kolkata can happen to anyone. We demand the Central Government to bring a Central Protection Act on an immediate basis, or either give us a written assurance that a legal provision to ensure the safety of healthcare workers will be brought soon."