Amidst the horrifying rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, the former principal of the institution, Prof (Dr) Sandip Ghosh, has claimed that his life is in danger. He has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from potential threats. In response, the court has instructed the State government to provide him with police security. The court has also requested Ghosh’s legal counsel to submit a separate affidavit if any additional information or claims need to be presented.
Sandip Ghosh resigned from his position as principal of RG Kar Medical College on Monday, citing defamation on social media platforms following the tragic incident. The rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor, who was found dead inside the medical college on Friday, has sparked nationwide protests among doctors. The incident has drawn parallels to the horrific gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus in New Delhi in 2012, highlighting the pervasive issue of violence against women in India.
According to colleagues, the victim had retired to sleep on a piece of carpet in a seminar room after a grueling 36-hour shift, due to the lack of dorms or resting rooms for doctors at the hospital. The doctor’s inquest report, accessed by Reuters, revealed that she was found bleeding from her eyes and mouth, with severe injuries to her legs, stomach, ankles, right hand, and finger.
The Chief Justice division bench of the Calcutta High Court was reviewing several public interest litigations (PILs) related to the case on Tuesday. During the hearing, the Chief Justice raised questions about the appointment of the former principal.
The incident has once again brought to light the urgent need for increased safety measures for medical professionals, particularly in hospitals. It also raises critical concerns about the inadequate infrastructure and support systems available to healthcare workers.
