No one can prove our demands are wrong...," say West Bengal doctors on hunger strike

Junior doctors from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on October 5 began an indefinite hunger strike in Kolkata over the RG Kar rape and murder case, demanding that the State government fulfil their long-pending demands. The protest is being held at Dharmatala, where doctors are refusing to resume work until their issues are addressed. Dr Aqeeb, one of the junior doctor at the strike told ANI that the main and foremost demand is justice in the RG Kar rape and murder incident. He said, "The role of the CBI in the RG Kar case in the sessions court is very lax. We want justice to be served in this case as soon as possible. We also want that any committees formed in medical colleges for the welfare of students should include a representative from the students' side, and that representative should be elected. This will lead to health reforms and benefit everyone. We have made every possible effort over the past few days, and now this is the last resort for us."

"No one can say that our demands are wrong," he added. Dr Aqeeb also said that six doctors are sitting on hunger strike and it will continue for an indefinite period. Earlier, the protesting doctors have accused the authorities of obstructing their protest. They allege that the State police are using intimidation tactics, blocking essential supplies like water and bio-toilets, and even assaulting a junior doctor on the very first day of the protest. On October 5, the doctors had issued the Bengal state government a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their demands, warning that they would begin an indefinite hunger strike if unmet. The six doctors sitting on a relay hunger strike are Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja and Anustup Mukhopadhyay of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra of KPC Medical College. Doctors are protesting the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Among the demands of the doctors include removal of the health secretary and increased police protection in hospitals. (ANI)

===================================

Legendary cricketer Brian Lara visits Kolkata's iconic Suruchi Sangha Club Durga Puja pandal

During the event, West Bengal State Minister Aroop Biswas was also present with Durga Puja committee members. Lara also clicked a selfie with the Durga idol on Sunday. Speaking to the reporters, the former Caribbean cricketer said that Durga Puja is a wonderful festival. He added that it was his first time in Kolkata during the festive season. "I think it (Durga Puja) is a wonderful festival. It's my first time here. The love and appreciation that everyone shows whenever I am in India, especially in Kolkata on a day such as today is very special...," Lara said. Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Goddess Durga. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil, as Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura. The festival typically lasts 10 days (Navaratri), with the main celebrations occurring during the last four days (Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami). Lara also holds the record for the highest individual score ever in first-class cricket (501 not out). In 1994, playing for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston, Lara scored 501 not out. The Caribbean had announced his retirement from international cricket in 2007. He finished his career with 22,358 runs and 53 international centuries. He also shares the Test record of scoring the highest number of runs in a single over in a Test match.

===================================

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits Navanir home on Durga Puja

Speaking on the occasion, she said, "You all know why I come here. The reason is that I find my own mother in all of you. I always say no home can run without a mother. From the old came the new." The Bengal CM also inaugurated the Alipore Bodyguard Line Durga Puja. Before singing, she mentioned, "I will only sing one line as my voice is strained from all the talking while inaugurating so many Durga pandals." Earlier in the week, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Durga Puja celebrations at Jodhpur Park, where she extended her best wishes for everyone's well-being. In her address following the inauguration she spoke about the importance of unity across all religions, castes, and languages.

"I wish Maa (Goddess Durga) keeps everyone healthy. We accept all religions, castes, and languages. Take care of everyone during the puja, and stay with your family. The administration is with you, but you should also support us," she said. Banerjee reflected on her long-standing connection with the local community. "I have come here through ups and downs, through many sorrows and struggles. I know the meaning of struggle," she remarked.

===================================

West Bengal BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal writes to NCPCR over rape and murder of minor girl

West Bengal BJP secretary Priyanka Tibrewal has written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) seeking justice for a minor girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in South 24 Parganas. Tibrewal, who is the West Bengal BJP Secretary, accused local police of showing negligence in taking immediate actions, saying that the 'abhorrent' crime has sent shockwaves through the community and raises serious concerns regarding the 'need for a comprehensive investigation'. She accused It has come to my attention that local law enforcement has failed to act with the urgency and diligence required in such a serious case. The lack of immediate and effective action has left the victim's family in despair and has raised doubts about the commitment of authorities to ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our society.

"I am writing to you as an advocate deeply disturbed by the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in Jaynagar, West Bengal. This abhorrent crime has sent shockwaves through the community and raises serious concerns regarding police negligence and the need for a comprehensive investigation," Tibrewal wrote. Describing the incident she said that the Police authorities failed to take immediate and appropriate action in response to the report.

===================================

Mohun Bagan SG showed us the true level of ISL: Andrey Chernyshov

Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov admitted that his side were second best against defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG who gave them the taste of the top flight. The Black and Whites lost 0-3 to the Mariners in the season's first Kolkata derby with all three goals being scored in the first half. Chernyshov's team were expected to pose a much tougher challenge for Jose Molina's team after their win against Chennaiyin FC in the last game, but the Russian admitted that his team was not at the level of their opponents. "Today, Mohun Bagan SG showed (us) the true level of ISL. They played very well and have many quality players. I can't say that my team was very bad. We tried something, we fought but there was a big difference in quality between them and us," he said during the post-match press conference as quoted by the ISL official website.

"This can happen in football especially when you play against a strong team like Mohun Bagan SG, we have to be very good in our physical condition. Today we weren't. Maybe we were tired after these three games. We have to accept that the opponent was very good today. We can't do anything about it," he added. Mohammedan SC were without midfielder Alexis Gomez for this match but Chernyshov believes the defeat wasn't down to his absence. "Alexis played well in the first three matches but his absence is not the reason for our defeat. Maybe in the first few games our opponents didn't give their best as they maybe didn't take us seriously as we came from the I-League. But now teams have understood that Mohammedan SC is also strong and they are taking us more seriously," he said.

===================================

ADC begins 1st phase of refunds for Rose Valley Chit Fund victims

ADC begins 1st phase of refunds for Rose Valley Chit Fund victims, disburses Rs 5 croreThe Asset Disposal Committee (ADC) marked a major step in providing relief to the victims of the Rose Valley Chit Fund scam as it began the first phase of refunds. A total of 7,346 depositors have received repayments of Rs 10,200 each, totalling Rs. 5.12 crore. This initial phase of the long-awaited restitution process reflects the ADC's commitment to ensuring justice for defrauded investors. The event, chaired by Justice Dilip Kr Seth (Retd.), Chairperson of the ADC, was attended by officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), including the Joint Director and Assistant Director from ED Kolkata. During the event, Justice Seth expressed gratitude to the ED for its pivotal role in helping recover and disburse the assets.

"Justice Dilip Kr Seth (Retd.) praised the continued cooperation between the ADC and the ED, underscoring the ED's critical role in identifying and attaching the properties of the Rose Valley Group. This collaboration has been instrumental in overcoming legal challenges posed by Rose Valley promoters and convincing the court of the merits of the claimants' case, ultimately paving the way for successful efforts for restitution", the ADC's official statement read. The refunds follow a recent court order allowing the release of Rs 19.40 crore to the ADC, kickstarting a systematic repayment plan. These funds, along with future recoveries, will be disbursed on a pro-rata basis or as directed by the Special Court (PMLA), Kolkata. The restitution process is expected to continue over the coming months as more claims are verified and processed by the ADC.

===================================

RG Kar victim's family places trust in Supreme Court for justice amid circulation of photos on social media

Following the Supreme Court's cognisance of the photos of the RG Kar rape and murder victim circulating on social media, the victim's father expressed his confidence in the top court to deliver justice. "The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the case and directed the state government to take action regarding my daughter's pictures, which continue to spread on social media. We trust the Supreme Court and the CBI, and we hope that justice will be served," the victim's father told reporters. During a hearing on Monday, Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim's parents, informed the Supreme Court that numerous social media posts revealing the victim's name and photos were still available, describing the situation as deeply alarming. Advocate Grover also informed the court about a YouTube movie, scheduled for release on Tuesday, which claims to be based on the incident. Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, representing another party connected to the case, informed the court that reels featuring artificial intelligence and Hindi songs were being created in relation to the case. Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani also raised concerns about a senior police officer who had revealed the victim's identity. In response, the Supreme Court reiterated its previous directive for all social media platforms to remove any posts disclosing the victim's name and identity. The Supreme Court clarified that its earlier order applies not only to Wikipedia but to all social media platforms, ensuring the protection of the victim's identity. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology would appoint a nodal official to monitor such posts, and any unauthorised publications would be removed promptly, with appropriate action taken.

===================================

Disclaimer: All the news clips are collected from various medium. Torontobengali.com neither agree nor disagree to the opinion expressed in the contents. Copywritten meterials will only be published with the permission of copywrite holder. These news items are not provided here to generate any revenue. They are only here for reading pleasure of Torontobengali.com readers

Copyright 2005-2024 TorontoBengali.com All rights reserved.