Jr Doctors build their own Dharna stage at Esplanade, dramatic scenes surface

Junior doctors in Kolkata have called off their strike and returned to work but remain firm in their demand for justice. After 55 days of protests over the RG Kar rape and murder case, the doctors announced on Friday night that they would not abandon their platform of protest until their demands are met. Debashis Halder and Aniket Mahatra, two prominent voices in the movement, explained that the state government has been given a 24-hour deadline to respond.

The tension escalated at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala when a dramatic scene unfolded as junior doctors, instead of depending on external support, built their protest stage. The doctors, used to holding stethoscopes and performing surgeries, took to constructing the platform with their own hands. This unusual act of defiance underscored their determination to continue their agitation until they receive a proper response from the state.

A few days ago, protests were held in front of the health building where the doctors faced obstacles, including alleged threats to decorators who were hired to set up the protest stage. In some cases, equipment such as triple fans were taken away without explanation. On Friday night, there was a fresh allegation against the police, accusing them of preventing the doctors from setting up the protest platform at Dharmatala. Heavy rain later interrupted the construction, forcing the doctors to halt their work temporarily. Despite this, they returned and completed the stage with their own hands.

The sight of junior doctors building the stage themselves in the heart of Kolkata created a powerful image of their commitment to the cause. Throughout the night, they erected the structure with some holding tripods, and others climbing bamboo poles and tying ropes. By Saturday morning, the doctors were seated on their self-constructed platform, continuing their protest in full force.

Their resolve is clear: they have given the government until 8:30 PM on Saturday to respond to their demand for justice. They insist that the truth behind the brutal incident must be brought forward. If the government fails to act within the given time frame, the doctors have vowed to escalate their protest, even going as far as to begin a hunger strike if necessary.

Despite returning to the wards to serve patients, the junior doctors are far from backing down. They have maintained that while they are committed to their medical duties, they will not give up their fight for justice. The state government now faces immense pressure as the deadline looms, and all eyes are on whether the authorities will address the doctors' demands.

The police’s alleged intervention in halting the protest setup has only further fueled tensions. The clash between the protestors and Kolkata police has been ongoing, with barricades being set up to control the demonstrations. On Friday night, it was alleged that police exerted pressure on the decorators, leading the workers to abandon their jobs midway. Undeterred, the junior doctors took matters into their own hands and continued to push forward with their movement.