Odisha, Odisha — Two senior Kolkata doctors, Dr. Punya Brata Gun and Dr. Tamonas Chaudhuri, appeared before the Thakurpukur police on Monday amid a protest rally demanding justice for the R.G. Kar victim. The doctors, linked to civil society group Abhaya Mancha, faced questioning over a bicycle demonstration held on August 8 to mark one year since the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Background

The R.G. Kar case, which rocked Kolkata in 2024, involved the brutal assault and killing of a female doctor by her senior colleagues. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to the formation of Abhaya Mancha to advocate for systemic reforms in medical institutions. The group has since organised rallies, including the recent bicycle protest, to highlight the case’s unresolved legal and institutional challenges.

Sequence of Events

On August 8, Abhaya Mancha staged a bicycle rally from Thakurpukur to College Street to commemorate the victim. The protest, part of a broader campaign against gender-based violence in healthcare, drew activists and medical professionals. However, police issued summons to Dr. Gun and Dr. Chaudhuri under sections of the Bharatiya Nagar Nigam Suraksha (BNS) Act and the National Highway Act, citing restrictions on public movement. The doctors appeared at Thakurpukur police station on Monday, where they were questioned about their roles in the rally.

Advocate Shamim Ahmed, representing the doctors, criticised the police for targeting protesters instead of addressing the case’s “real culprits.” He noted that the questioning focused on logistical details, such as their residences, rather than the protest’s intent.

Community Impact

The arrest of prominent medical professionals has reignited debates about police priorities in handling social activism. Abhaya Mancha members argue that legal actions against protesters undermine efforts to seek accountability for the R.G. Kar case. Local civil society groups in Odisha, while not directly involved, expressed solidarity, highlighting the national resonance of the issue. Officials, however, defended the summons as necessary to manage public order, citing concerns over road safety during the bicycle rally.

Local Significance

Though the incident is centred in Kolkata, Odisha’s civil society has been vocal in supporting the R.G. Kar cause, reflecting broader regional advocacy for gender justice. The case has also prompted discussions in Odisha about workplace safety in healthcare, with some state lawmakers calling for stricter regulations.

What Happens Next

The police investigation into the protest is expected to continue, with potential legal challenges from the doctors’ camp. Meanwhile, Abhaya Mancha has announced plans for further demonstrations, vowing not to relent in its pursuit of justice. The case underscores the tension between civic activism and law enforcement in addressing systemic grievances.