In the wake of the tragic Kolkata rape and murder case, a wave of protests has surged across the city, with junior doctors at the forefront. The protestors have employed a highly symbolic and creative method to convey their discontent to Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. In a bold move, a delegation of junior doctors crafted an artificial spine, which they brought to a crucial meeting with the commissioner. This symbolic gesture was meant to communicate their belief that the police department, under Goyal's leadership, needs to "grow a backbone" in light of how the situation was managed.

The doctors are not merely expressing dissatisfaction; they are demanding accountability at the highest levels. Specifically, they have called for the immediate resignation of Commissioner Goyal, holding him responsible for what they perceive as a mishandling of the events surrounding August 9. The artificial spine was not just a prop but a powerful representation of their frustrations, laid out on a round table during their discussion with Goyal.

The protest, which began on September 1, saw a group of junior doctors gathering around 2 p.m. at Lalbazar, the city’s central police hub. Armed with banners and placards featuring illustrations of Vineet Goyal, they voiced their demands with unwavering determination. Their protest was not a fleeting event; within 24 hours, they had made significant progress by advancing towards the Kolkata Police Headquarters. Their persistence paid off when, under considerable pressure, the police were compelled to remove the barricades, allowing the protestors to proceed to Bentinck Street, a location in closer proximity to the headquarters. Joined by a senior officer from Kolkata Police, the protestors eventually reached the headquarters, where the intensity of their demands only grew stronger.During their discussion with the police commissioner, the junior doctors reiterated their demand for Goyal’s resignation, expressing deep dissatisfaction with how the August 9 incident was handled.

In response, Goyal defended his actions, claiming that he had fulfilled his duties satisfactorily, while noting that any decision regarding his tenure would rest with state authorities. Despite his reassurances, the protestors remain undeterred. They have vowed to continue their demonstrations until justice is served. As part of their ongoing efforts, they planned a statewide blackout on September 4, during which all lights across the state was turned off for one hour in a somber tribute to the deceased doctor. This act of remembrance is intended to keep the memory of the victim alive and to ensure that their demands for justice are not ignored.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)