Tensions flared at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday as junior doctors clashed with individuals accused of perpetuating a “threat culture” within the institution. The conflict arose when the accused, which included doctors, house staff, and interns, attempted to leave the hospital’s administrative building after being questioned by an internal inquiry committee.
The junior doctors, who had gathered in protest from the morning, claimed that several senior medical professionals had created an atmosphere of intimidation at the hospital. Based on these allegations, the internal committee had identified 51 individuals involved in the matter, and 12 of them were summoned for questioning that day.
As the accused exited the administrative building in the evening, tensions peaked. Junior doctors, already enraged by the situation, pursued the accused individuals as they tried to leave the premises through Gate 6. Despite the presence of CISF personnel providing security, scuffles broke out. Protesters chanted slogans such as “thief, thief” while chasing the accused, and in the ensuing chaos, one person’s shirt was reportedly torn.
While the protesting junior doctors denied any physical assault, they admitted to aggressively confronting the accused with slogans. One of the protesters, Anubhav Mondal, stated, “Despite the severity of the accusations against them, the accused walked into the inquiry laughing. How do they still have the audacity to act this way? We want answers.” He further alleged that the accused may have torn their own clothing to falsely implicate the protesters.
As tensions continue to simmer, the hospital administration and the investigation committee will likely face mounting pressure to address the situation swiftly and transparently.