Justice Delayed? Rahul Gandhi Questions Kolkata Hospital Rape-Murder Handling

The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital have ignited national outrage, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi voicing strong concerns over the handling of the case. The incident, which has raised serious questions about the safety of women and the actions of the local administration, continues to reverberate across India.

Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Criticism

In a pointed statement shared on X, Rahul Gandhi condemned the hospital and local authorities for what he described as an “attempt to save the accused” rather than ensuring justice for the victim. “The entire country is shocked by the gruesome incident of rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata,” Gandhi stated, emphasizing the widespread insecurity this incident has caused among the medical community and women across the nation.

He further criticized the response from the hospital and local administration, stating, “The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration.” Gandhi’s remarks reflect growing frustration over the failure to protect women and ensure swift justice in cases of sexual violence.

Broader Concerns About Women’s Safety

Gandhi’s criticism is not limited to this particular case. He highlighted the broader issue of increasing crimes against women in India, mentioning notorious incidents from Hathras to Unnao, and from Kathua to Kolkata. “Every party and section of society will have to hold serious discussions and take concrete steps on the continuously increasing incidents against women,” he urged.

The Congress MP also raised a troubling question about the safety of women in educational institutions: “This incident has forced us to think that if doctors are not safe in a place like a medical college, then how can parents send their daughters outside for studies?”

Details of the Incident

The body of the victim, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was discovered on the morning of August 9 in a seminar hall at RG Kar Hospital. The details of the crime are harrowing, with the postmortem report revealing that she was raped and strangled to death. The report also noted that the victim suffered severe trauma, with bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts, which were subjected to “perverted sexuality” and “genital torture.”

The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, has since been arrested. He confessed to the crime, admitting to raping and murdering the trainee doctor.

CBI Investigation Ordered

In response to the growing public outcry and questions over the handling of the case, the Calcutta High Court has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move comes amid concerns that local authorities may not conduct a fair and thorough investigation.

The horrific crime in Kolkata has once again spotlighted the urgent need for stronger protections and swift justice for victims of sexual violence in India. Rahul Gandhi’s condemnation underscores the critical role that leadership and accountability play in addressing these issues. As the CBI takes over the investigation, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice will be served, and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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