Junior doctors clash with police over seized benches amid protests at Dharmatala

Junior doctors in Kolkata protesting at Dharmatala for justice in the R.G. Kar Medical College case clashed with police on Monday. The confrontation erupted when the police confiscated benches used by the doctors during their sit-in protest. In response, the doctors staged a protest outside Bowbazar police station, demanding the return of their benches.

Later that night, the doctors managed to recover the benches after a heated exchange with the police. They symbolically carried the benches on their shoulders back to the protest site, using the act to highlight their resilience and commitment. The doctors stated that this was a symbolic demonstration of their determination to continue protesting despite police interference.

The protest, which began on Saturday, revolves around 10 key demands related to R.G. Kar Medical College. In addition to the bench incident, earlier disputes occurred over the installation of bio-toilets at the protest site. The police explained that the benches were seized due to restrictions on rickshaw movements on the route used to transport them.

Despite appeals from the state's Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, urging the doctors to return to work, the protests continue. In support, the 'Joint Platform of Doctors' has joined the protest, and a decision has been made to livestream the hunger strike on YouTube to raise awareness and maintain transparency.