Kolkata rape & murder: Doctor's body calls off strike after demands on safety met by JP Nadda

The key doctor's body said the decision was taken after a meeting with JP Nadda and that their demands had been met, including one seeking an assurance that the Central Healthcare Protection Act would be passed to curb attacks on medical personnel.

In a statement, FORDA said, "as requested", it will be part of a committee on the Central Healthcare Protection Act, work on which will start within 15 days.

Soon after the FORDA statement, the health ministry posted on X that Nadda welcomed the organisation's decision and that all their concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers would be addressed. 

"Union Health Minister, Shri @JPNadda met with the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (@FordaIndia) delegation today.  He welcomed their decision to call off the strike in the public interest and assured them that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will address all their concerns to ensure a safer and better work environment."

The protests began on Monday, three days after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee, who was working at Kolkata's state government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was found inside a seminar hall in the institution.

Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer working with the Kolkata Police, has been arrested for the crime.

Apart from sexual assault, her post-mortem report revealed that several injuries were inflicted on her before she was smothered and throttled to death.

The doctors had demanded that the probe into the rape and murder be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which was met on Tuesday through a Calcutta High Court order.

An assurance on the Act remained a hurdle, however, and FORDA posted around 6.30 pm that the strike would continue.