The Jalpaiguri branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) finally broke its slumber on Sunday over the brutal rape and murder of the doctor at RG Kar hospital on August 9.

Its members walked in a protest march here on Sunday evening, accompanied by dignitaries and people from different walks of life.

Unlike other districts where the IMA members have held protest marches and demonstrations all along after the heinous crime, IMA office bearers and members in Jalpaiguri had been silent so far.

“One of the key reasons for the silence is that doctors Sushanta Roy and Avik Dey, who were allegedly present at the seminar hall in RG Kar hospital after the crime, are office bearers of the Jalpaiguri IMA. Many doctors in the town had to face questions and criticism from people for their silence,” said a senior member of IMA in the town.

IMA members in Jalpaiguri convened a meeting a few days back. At the meeting, it was decided that they would write to the headquarters of IMA, seeking suspension of branch secretary Sushanta Roy, branch vice-president Avik and Sushanta’s son and joint secretary Soutrik.

“It was also decided that the executive committee of the branch should be dissolved,” the doctor added.

On Sunday, IMA members, along with Padma Shri awardees Karimul Haque and Dhaniram Toto, congregated at Samajpara of the town. Some junior doctors of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital (NBMCH), Siliguri, also joined them, along with a section of Jalpaiguri residents.

“Hundreds of people spontaneously joined the rally. They carried placards, banners, and torches, seeking justice for the deceased junior doctor and her grieving family. We could pass a clear message to the people that we also want justice,” said Pradip Kumar Barma, the president of IMA’s Jalpaiguri branch.

Both Dhaniram and Karimul were vocal over the gruesome rape and murder.

“If a doctor has to face such consequences, we doubt whether the common people in Bengal are safe and secure,” said Dhaniram.

Karimul said the CBI should arrest all those involved in the murder.

IMA members stressed the West Bengal Medical Council should take steps against Sushanta Roy, a vice-president of the council.

“It is also unfortunate that Avik Dey, who is a vice-president of our IMA branch, was allegedly involved in malpractices during exams at NBMCH,” said one of them.

The march, which began from Samajpara, moved through Thana More and along the DBC Road. It ended at the Kadamtala crossing where a street corner was held and people spoke up. “We doctors planned the rally, but it became a march of common people,” said Pantha Dasgupta, a veteran doctor.