Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) – The official website of the protesting junior doctors of R.G. Kar Medical College, www.wbjdf.com, has suddenly gone offline, triggering political controversy. Speculations are rife regarding the reason behind its disappearance, and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded an investigation into the matter.

Aniket Mahato, a member of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), clarified that the website is still under development. The site is currently undergoing maintenance, which is why it is sometimes accessible and sometimes not. It has not been permanently shut down, he said.

He further revealed that the police had issued a notice regarding the website’s sudden disappearance. Bidhannagar Police questioned why the site went offline. We have informed them that it is due to technical work. There is no reason for suspicion, and we are fully cooperating with the investigation, Aniket stated.

TMC spokesperson and party general secretary Kunal Ghosh, however, raised serious concerns. The junior doctors collected huge funds in the name of their protest. The question now arises—where did that money go? Lawyers claim they fought the case without charging fees, so where was the money spent? he asked.

He also alleged that part of the funds was transferred to event management companies. When questions were raised about this, the website suddenly disappeared, making the situation even more suspicious. A thorough investigation is necessary, Ghosh asserted.

Earlier, a newly formed organization opposing the junior doctors' protest had accused them of collecting ₹4.75 crore in funds without publicly disclosing how the money was utilized. There were even demands for an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the matter.

However, the protesting junior doctors have strongly denied these allegations. Those who are themselves involved in corruption are accusing us. We are open to any kind of investigation, they stated.

Recently, Bidhannagar Police summoned seven junior doctors for questioning regarding the funds raised during the protest. Reports suggest that police are scrutinizing financial transactions linked to the movement.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh