India: Doctors' strikes and protests likely to continue across West Bengal State through at least mid-November /update 8

Doctors' strikes and protests are likely to continue in West Bengal through at least mid-November due to an alleged sexual assault and murder case involving a female resident doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9. In recent weeks, healthcare practitioners have staged sporadic work stoppages, causing service disruptions at public medical facilities and colleges across the state. Further labor actions are likely to persist, and increased demand may lead to longer waiting times at private medical centers.

Related protest campaigns have occurred intermittently in various urban centers, including Durgapur and Kolkata. As of Oct. 28, participants have escalated their protest campaign from urban centers to rural areas in West Bengal. Additionally, activists will stage a rally outside an unspecified Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Kolkata.

Additional gatherings of varying types, including marches and sit-ins, are highly likely to continue over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include medical colleges, public healthcare institutions, government buildings like the chief minister's residence and office, law enforcement facilities such as police stations and CBI offices, public squares, and thoroughfares in urban centers. In Kolkata, popular gathering locations include Kolkata Police Headquarters, RG Kar Hospital, Nabanna, Shyambazar, and Swasthya Bhawan.

Authorities will likely monitor any rallies that materialize and could use force to disperse unruly crowds. Depending on operational needs, officials could implement enhanced restrictions, including public gathering bans. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Isolated security incidents, including arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are possible.