As public outcry over the rape and death of a female doctor in Kolkata grows, junior doctors have got another call to meet with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat home will host this meeting on Monday at 5 p.m. The continuous protests, now in their seventh day, have brought people from all walks of life to the streets, demanding justice and accountability for the horrible crime.

Chief Secretary Dr Manoj Pant sent an email to the junior doctors citing the Supreme Court's mandate, which required the doctors to start work by September 10. The email emphasised that this meeting was the "fifth and final attempt" to address the doctors' concerns. It stated, "As citizens, it is our responsibility to obey the Supreme Court." This is our sixth and last attempt to meet with the Chief Minister. I invite you to the Chief Minister's residence in Kalighat for an open conversation."

The government's reluctance to allow a live telecast or filming of the meeting, citing the pending case before the Supreme Court, remains a major issue of dispute. Despite this, the younger doctors had earlier agreed to withdraw their request for a live broadcast. However, the Chief Minister's mansion cancelled the meeting again on Saturday, when the doctors arrived in severe rain. As the doctors departed Kalighat that day, they said they had withdrawn their requirements in good faith but were told that the discussion would not continue after the Chief Minister waited three hours. This constant back-and-forth has further heightened tensions, as the doctors are determined to seek justice.

Speaking to the media, one of the agitating doctors said that they are holding a meeting to determine their next course of action given the latest offer of talks. “We will be able to tell you (media) as soon as we jointly consider the proposal after discussing it amongst ourselves,” he said.

The murder has spurred demonstrations and exposed severe flaws in law enforcement. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed 12 charges against Tala Police Station's Officer-in-Charge (OC), accusing him of impeding the investigation into the doctor's death. The allegations against the OC include allowing the post-mortem to proceed after 3 p.m., breaching the law, and allegedly aiding the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh in destroying evidence.

Key charges against the OC include failing to file a FIR under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, failing to cordon off the crime site, and delaying the issuing of a death certificate. The CBI also accused him of deceiving the investigation, tampering with evidence, and delaying the seizure of critical materials, which might have jeopardised the investigation even more.

The police's handling of the case has fuelled popular outrage, with many questioning the state's dedication to justice. The failure to secure the crime scene, delays in essential procedural measures, and allegations of a police-criminal conspiracy have increased pressure on the government.

As dissent grows, the Chief Minister's administration faces increased scrutiny. Public demonstrations continue, with calls for responsibility and transparency becoming louder. Monday's meeting at Kalighat could be the government's last chance to engage with junior doctors and resolve their concerns before the situation worsens. The greater concern is whether this summit will result in actual action or just another failed attempt to fix the crisis.

As the protests spread, the CM was under intense public pressure, with residents demanding justice for the victim and systemic measures to ensure the safety of healthcare staff throughout the state.