Image credits - The Indian Express
The tragic death of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has ignited intense protests and political backlash. The doctor’s body was found inside the hospital’s seminar hall on August 9, with preliminary autopsy reports confirming that she had been sexually assaulted before her murder.
The discovery has led to significant unrest, with junior doctors at the state-run hospital staging protests demanding justice. The BJP has also criticized the law and order situation in West Bengal, accusing the government of attempting to cover up the crime.
The police have arrested an individual with free access to several hospital departments after reviewing CCTV footage. “We have arrested one person who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious, and he seems to be directly involved in the crime,” a police official told PTI. Meanwhile, five people on duty with the victim that night are under interrogation.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Additional CP Murlidhar Sharma inspected the scene, and a forensic team conducted an initial examination of the body. The police noted scratch marks on the victim, indicating a struggle. Further investigation involves questioning doctors, nurses, and others who were present.
Health Secretary NS Nigam, along with Goyal, met with senior hospital officials and assured a thorough investigation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed condolences and promised support to the victim’s family, while TMC Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen vowed a fair inquiry.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, including from the State Women’s Commission, which took suo motu cognizance and visited the hospital. Notably, there was no CCTV coverage in the seminar hall where the body was found, as the area was used by doctors and nurses to change clothes.
The victim’s father expressed shock and grief, highlighting his suspicion of rape and murder. Amidst these developments, the Association of Health Service Doctors has demanded an external inquiry headed by a judicial magistrate, threatening further protests if their demands are not met.