Mon Jan 27 20:50:23 UTC 2025: ## Doctors in West Bengal Accuse Authorities of Retaliation Following Protest Over Doctor’s Murder
**Kolkata, West Bengal – January 28, 2025** – Several doctors in West Bengal are alleging retaliation from authorities following protests demanding justice for a postgraduate trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital last year. The protests, which included junior doctors, nurses, and students, initially resulted in the conviction of a single individual. However, now, several doctors involved in the movement face scrutiny and complaints.
Four senior government hospital doctors – Dr. Manas Gumta, Dr. Utpal Banerjee, Dr. Subarna Goswami, and Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharya – have reportedly had complaints filed against them by the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC), accusing them of obstructing the council’s work. Dr. Goswami alleges the complaint is in response to the doctors’ opposition to what they perceive as corrupt practices within the WBMC.
Similar allegations are being faced by junior doctors Asfakullah Naiya and Kinjal Nanda, both of R.G. Kar Hospital. Dr. Naiya received a show-cause notice for allegedly practicing medicine without a degree, and his home was subsequently searched by police. The Calcutta High Court has since stayed the investigation. Dr. Nanda, who also works in films, received inquiries regarding his movie work and attendance.
Dr. Tapas Pramanick, a medical officer at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, is facing accusations of a medical question paper leak, which he describes as malicious retaliation for his vocal criticism of the government during the protests.
Meanwhile, twelve doctors suspended in connection with an “expired saline administration case” at Medinipur Medical College are being questioned. Doctors allege these suspensions are a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from concerns about the quality of saline implicated in the death of a woman and a newborn.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the protesting doctors of hypocrisy, suggesting their involvement in films and protests simultaneously is suspicious. However, the doctors maintain they are victims of government reprisal for their activism following the tragic murder of their colleague. The situation remains tense, with ongoing accusations of intimidation and retaliation against doctors who dared to speak out.
First Piper 