Kolkata: Amid the ongoing impasse between agitation doctors and West Bengal government, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that a “deep conspiracy” is being hatched by some “opposition political forces” to attack the protesting medics in an attempt to malign Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state. Following the TMC’s claim, the Kolkata Police heightened the security near the protest site and also installed CCTV cameras.
Citing a purported audio clip of a conversation, senior TMC leader said that a “plot to attack” the protesting doctors is being hatched to defame the state government and the ruling party. He further said that they have requested the police and security forces to remain alert and ensure the safety of the doctors.
The doctors have been protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters for the last five days over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The 31-year-old doctor was found dead at the seminar hall of the state-run hospital on August 9.
TMC’s ‘plot to attack doctors’ charge
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Ghosh said, two people were heard talking about a plot to attack the doctors, in the audio clip. “The conversation is between a member of the youth wing of the Left and one from an ultra-Left organisation. There is a deep conspiracy against the government,” he said.
In a post on X, the TMC leader demanded a ban on the entry of outsiders near the protest site at Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata’s Salt Lake. The police have registered a case on their own and also arrested one person. Security has been stepped up outside the health department premises with the deployment of heavy police force.
Deadlock between Mamata, doctors continues
The West Bengal government has been trying to hold discussion with the protesting doctors since Tuesday to end the deadlock. On Thursday, the state government sent a fresh letter to the doctors for talks. However, the medics did not turn up for the meeting as the government refused their demand for live telecast of the talks. Later, Chief Minister said that she waited for the doctors for more than two hours and clarified that the government did not allow the live streaming as the matter was in court. She also apologised to the people of West Bengal and said she was willing to step down.
