In a strong show of outrage and solidarity, major government hospitals across Delhi are set to indefinitely suspend all elective services starting Monday in response to the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata. The indefinite strike, called by the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), aims to demand immediate action and protection for healthcare workers.

FORDA president Dr. Aviral Mathur emphasized the need for prioritizing the safety of doctors so they can continue their essential work without fear. He stated, “We can no longer stand by while our safety is compromised. The recent horrific rape and murder of a fellow doctor on hospital premises is the final straw. Our ability to care for patients hinges on our own safety being ensured.”

This move follows the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a 32-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered while on duty. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to a candlelight march by resident doctors and demands for a thorough investigation, including a CBI inquiry.

The accused has been arrested under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS and has been remanded to police custody until August 23.

BRS Leader Kavitha’s Plea in Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is set to hear the pleas filed by BRS leader K Kavitha on Monday, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny her bail in corruption and money laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. The high court had dismissed her bail pleas, citing her as a prima facie main conspirator in the case, and ruled that no bail could be granted at this stage of the investigation.

Kavitha, a former MP, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from her Hyderabad residence on March 15, and the CBI later took her into custody in Tihar jail.

Top Court to Hear Tamil Nadu Minister’s Bail Plea

The Supreme Court will also hear the bail plea of former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the ED last year in connection with a money laundering case. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih is scheduled to hear the plea, following the Madras High Court’s decision to dismiss his second bail petition.

The high court ruled that granting bail to Balaji could send a wrong signal and would be against the larger public interest.

Bihar Congress Protests Denial of Special Category Status

The Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) has announced a statewide agitation beginning August 12 to protest the Central government’s refusal to grant special category status to the state. Bihar Congress chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh condemned the denial as “gross injustice” and announced plans for dharnas outside block and district magistrate offices on August 13 and 14, with further agitation plans to be outlined after August 14.

Singh also criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for failing to secure the status despite advocating for it since 2005 and being an alliance partner in the NDA government.