In a significant move, the West Bengal Health Department removed the superintendent of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on Sunday following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor. This decision comes in response to widespread protests by doctors and medical students demanding immediate action and justice for the victim.
The horrific incident occurred inside the hospital premises, where the trainee doctor, a second-year postgraduate student, was found with severe injury marks. An autopsy confirmed that she was raped before being murdered. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, was arrested and has been remanded to 14-day police custody under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Medical students and doctors at RG Kar Medical College have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the administration, accusing them of neglecting their repeated requests for enhanced security measures. The resident doctors criticized the existing security arrangements, labeling them as “flawed,” and demanded immediate action to ensure the safety of all hospital staff, particularly female doctors.
In response to the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a 48-hour ultimatum, calling for a swift and impartial investigation. They warned of nationwide protests if the culprits were not apprehended and charged promptly. The IMA emphasized the need for urgent reforms to improve workplace safety for doctors across the country.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the crime and vowed to seek the death penalty for the perpetrator. She assured that the case would be taken to a fast-track court and expressed her government’s willingness to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if requested by the victim’s family or the protesting students.
Despite the arrest of the accused, junior doctors at RG Kar Hospital have continued their “cease work” protest, insisting that the investigation is not thorough. They suspect a larger conspiracy and claim that the authorities might be attempting to cover up more significant issues. The protest is expected to continue until the students are satisfied with the investigation’s progress and the implementation of more robust security measures at the hospital.
This tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for improved safety protocols in medical institutions and has sparked a broader conversation about women’s safety in the workplace across India.
