PGT Doctor found raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College
Introduction
A semi-nude body of second-year postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctor specializing in respiratory medicine at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College was discovered in a seminar hall on the third floor of the hospital’s emergency building early Friday morning. The discovery has led to widespread protests and demands for justice from the victim’s family and colleagues. The doctor was found with multiple injuries, leading to allegations of rape and murder.
Colleagues last interacted with her around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, after which she proceeded to the seminar room to rest and study.
Autopsy Findings
- A senior police officer confirmed that the judicial inquest revealed injuries across the doctor’s body, including the private areas. Blood stains were found on her face, and her collarbone was broken, suggesting she was strangled.
- Forensic experts reported discovering blood stains and human hair on the mattress where the body was found, along with a broken pair of spectacles nearby. The autopsy revealed significant injuries, including bleeding from the eyes and mouth, and signs of sexual assault.
- The estimated time of the crime is between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Arrest and Investigation
1) Suspect Apprehended
Two intern doctors have been questioned Sanjay Roy, an individual with unrestricted access to multiple hospital departments, was arrested in connection with the crime. His apprehension was based on:
- Evidence: Torn fragments of a Bluetooth earphone were found at the crime scene.
- CCTV Footage: Analysis revealed his suspicious movements within the hospital.
2) Formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT)
Kolkata Police has constituted an SIT, incorporating members from the homicide department, to delve deeper into the case
Hospital Administration's Response
An 11-member internal committee has been set up by the hospital to investigate the incident. The autopsy was conducted under the supervision of a three-member panel and was videographed to ensure transparency. Principal Sandip Ghosh expressed profound shock, stating, “We are addressing the security and amenity concerns of our resident and junior doctors.”
Protests and Demands
The tragic event has led to:
- Widespread Protests: Junior doctors, interns, and house staff initiated strikes, halting medical services except for emergencies.
- Candlelight March: Demonstrators held a march from the hospital to Shyambazar, demanding justice.
- Demands Presented:
- Judicial Inquiry: Establishment of a committee to probe the incident.
- Capital Punishment: Arrest and stringent punishment for the perpetrators.
- Enhanced Security: Installation of CCTV cameras across departments and vigilant 24×7 security personnel.
- Better Facilities: Provision of proper duty rooms with attached washrooms for doctors and improved hostel security.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have announced road blockades across West Bengal in protest.
Political Reactions
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, labelling it “unfortunate.” She assured the victim’s family of swift justice, stating, “I have directed for the case to be taken to a fast-track court. The accused should receive the strictest penalty.”
Opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), criticized the state’s handling of the situation, calling for an independent magistrate-led investigation and also demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Scrutiny of Hospital Administration
R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, under the leadership of Principal Sandip Ghosh, has faced multiple controversies, including:
- Allegations of Mismanagement: Claims of administrative lapses and misappropriation of funds.
- Security Concerns: Reports of inadequate security measures and facilities for staff and students.
- Past Incidents: Previous episodes of ragging and student protests have tarnished the institution’s reputation.
Calls for an administrative overhaul and the principal’s removal have intensified in light of the recent tragedy.
Conclusion
The devastating loss of a young medical professional has spotlighted pressing concerns regarding safety and administrative efficacy within Kolkata’s healthcare institutions. As investigations proceed, the medical community and the public at large await justice and meaningful reforms to ensure such tragedies are averted in the future.
If even doctors are not safe, how can the general public feel secure? Incidents like this are deeply unsettling and raise serious safety concerns. It's alarming and calls for immediate action to ensure justice and restore confidence in our community's security.
The horrific acts of rape and murder committed within hospital premises are an unforgivable violation of human dignity and safety. As medical professionals, we vow to uphold the sanctity of our healing spaces and ensure that they remain safe havens for all. Such crimes sabotage the very essence of our mission to protect and care for others. We stand united in our commitment to justice and to preventing such atrocities from ever occurring again..
While Kolkata has been recognized as one of the safest cities according to NCRB's 2022 data, the tragic incident involving the death of a PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College raises serious concerns.
"As a doctor, it is deeply unsettling and tragic to witness such heinous acts of violence, especially within the sanctity of a hospital, where we are meant to heal and protect. The brutal rape and murder of a fellow junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College is an unspeakable crime that defies the very essence of our profession, where doctors are often regarded as 'God's hands' in society. This atrocity is not just an attack on an individual but an assault on the entire medical fraternity and the principles we stand for. We must unite in demanding justice for our colleague and ensuring that no healthcare professional ever has to face such barbarity again. The sanctity of our profession must be preserved, and those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
Can’t even imagine about the pain and horror she must have gone through in her final moments.
Absolutely Gutted by this heinous crime. Everyone in the administration fails us. Token reactionary measures will be taken. Long term safety at workplace and that too of hospital staff and doctors, who serve long hours, will continue to be ignored till the next unfortunate victim Demand for Safety of doctors at workplace has been raised for years. Sadly we are ruled by uneducated morons one of them termed violence as “workplace hazard”. They only care for their votebank. Dear citizens wake up raise voice or else live like an insect.
“A very dark and horrifying incident! Such incidents are the reason, leading to fear and insecurities among medical professionals. Only a monster with evil , sinful and wicked mindset is capable of committing such barbaric act. This monster needs to be caught as soon as possible and shall be given the most severe punishment, to give him a taste of his own karma”
DOCTOR - it comes with lots of sacrifices. We might've had a regular sleep cycle. We might've had our food on time. I wish we could've answered those calls from home that being missed because of our hectic duties. In account of service, sacrifices came first. And we did it, with heartfelt gratitude. Is it fair enough for us to sacrifice our safety now? Do we have to shiver inside our white coat of pride? Do we've to sleep with anxious thoughts of being abused PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY and SEXUALLY now? And it's saddening to see even the empowered women are not safe.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
