Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Doctors' Association Of AIIMS Calls Off 11-Day Strike After CJI's Request

New Delhi, August 22: Hours after the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud requested the doctors protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, who are currently on strike to return to work, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), AIIMS, announced that it would be calling off the 11-day strike.

"We commend the Court's action and call for adherence to its directives. Patient care remains our top priority," read the statement by the association.

"In the interest of the nation and in the spirit of public service, the RDA, AIIMS, New Delhi, has decided to call off 11-day strike. This decision comes in response to the appeal and direction of the Supreme Court," read a statement by the association.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to the Supreme Court for taking cognizance of the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers across the country," said RDA, AIIMS.

Horrific Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

On August 9, a woman trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College And Hospital was found dead under suspicious circumstances. It later came to light after the autopsy report that the doctor was raped and murderered.

As word spread about the horrific rape and murder case, doctors in Kolkata and across the country held protests in solidarity with the victim. The matter went to Kolkata High Court which instructed the CBI to take over the case after allegations of serious lapses on the part of Kolkata Police.

SC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance And Hears The Case

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (August 20) took suo moto congisance of the Kolkata rape and murder case. The bench comprised of DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra.

The bench questioned the handling of the case by the Kolkata Police and also rapped the state government and RG Kar Medical College and Hospital authority. The CJI submitted status report in the case to the top court on Thursday (August 22).