The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) on Thursday resumed its strike over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The doctors’ panel took the decision hours after vandalism occurred at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, where the trainee doctor’s body was found.

Notably, the FORDA had called off the protests on August 13 after meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda in New Delhi.

“We strongly condemn the Union Ministry and state government for their failure to honour their commitments and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals during this crisis. Given the gravity of recent developments and the overwhelming call for justice, we have decided to resume the strike, effective immediately,” the doctor’s body said in a statement.

The body said it was working with all stakeholders and Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) to develop a strategic plan of action.

In the early hours of Thursday, violence erupted at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during a protest march organised by women. A group of people stormed into the hospital and vandalised property as well as the protest venue where the doctors were protesting since August 9.

The mob vandalised the emergency ward, nursing station, medicine store, and outpatient department. They also destroyed CCTV cameras in the hospital premises.

Protesters broke barricades and also damaged a police vehicle and several two-wheelers.

Even police personnel had to seek refuge with the hospital’s nurses following the chaos caused by the mob after some time.

Kolkata Police resorted to using tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Several videos from the spot showed huge chaos at the hospital, with people running for cover.

A nurse who was present during the chaos said the mob was trying to enter the seminar room where the trainee doctor was killed.

The nationwide protests by doctors began after a trainee doctor was raped and killed in the seminar hall of the hospital last week. The Calcutta High Court has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.

A civic volunteer with Kolkata Police was arrested in connection with the doctor’s rape and murder.

Additional personnel have been deployed at the hospital after the incident, the police said.