The brutal murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sent shockwaves through the nation. The victim’s mother revealed that her daughter had expressed reluctance about going to the hospital in the days leading up to the attack, stating, “She used to say that she didn’t like going to RG Kar anymore.” The family further alleged that they faced harassment from the Kolkata Police, with the mother stating, “They were not letting us see our dead daughter’s face. We kept pleading but weren’t allowed to see her face. We were told an investigation was going on. They made us suffer a lot.”
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a full-fledged investigation into the doctor’s death. The agency has questioned Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, for several hours over two consecutive days. This questioning is part of a wider investigation into the alleged rape and murder of the doctor. The CBI is also examining potential tampering of evidence, fueled by accusations from BJP leader Amit Malviya who stated, “The mother of the RG Kar rape and murder victim narrates how Kolkata Police harassed them… They were pressuring the family and gave the dead body after prolonged persuasion and pleading. Kolkata Police even tried to destroy victim’s car… Why?” Malviya further criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Kolkata Police, accusing them of obstructing justice and attempting to hide the truth.
In response to the widespread outrage and concerns surrounding the safety of medical professionals, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike. This strike, beginning at 6 am on Saturday and lasting until 6 am on Sunday, will see the suspension of OPDs and elective surgeries across the country. However, emergency services and casualty care will continue to operate. The victim’s father has expressed doubts about the circumstances of his daughter’s death, questioning whether it took place in the seminar hall, as initially reported. He said, “We found lapses by the police and informed the CBI. We now doubt if she was murdered in the seminar hall. It might be that she was killed elsewhere.” The father’s statement has added further fuel to the fire, raising concerns that evidence may have been concealed or tampered with.
The incident has also highlighted the broader issue of safety and security for medical professionals, with a mob of 5,000 to 7,000 people storming RG Kar Hospital on August 14th, attacking protesting doctors and medical students, and attempting to vandalize the premises. This incident prompted security forces to intervene, and Kolkata police have reported the arrest of 19 individuals allegedly involved in the violence. The events surrounding the doctor’s death have triggered a national conversation about the need for improved safety measures for medical professionals and stronger accountability for those responsible for perpetrating violence against them.
