The Kolkata Police on Sunday summoned two doctors and a BJP leader for allegedly spreading misinformation and disclosing the identity of the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Dr Kunal Sarkar, Dr Subarna Goswami, and BJP leader Locket Chatterjee have been asked to appear at the police headquarters by 3 pm. The police alleged that Dr Sarkar and Dr Goswami disseminated false information related to the investigation and post-mortem report. Dr Goswami reportedly gave interviews claiming to have access to the post-mortem report, which allegedly included disturbing details about the crime. Meanwhile, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee has been summoned for allegedly revealing the identity of the rape victim, which is a serious offense under Indian law.
In response to the tragedy, the West Bengal government has announced a series of measures to enhance women’s safety in workplaces, particularly at state-run hospitals. These measures include establishing designated retiring rooms and CCTV-monitored ‘safe zones’. Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, announced these initiatives during a press conference on Saturday, amidst ongoing protests by doctors across the state. He also highlighted the launch of a flagship program, ‘Rattirer Sathi – Helpers of the Night’, comprising volunteers who will assist women working night shifts in hospitals, hostels, and other workplaces.
The Kolkata Police have also imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, around the Medical College and Hospital for seven days, effective from Sunday, 18 August. This prohibits any unlawful assembly of five or more persons, carrying of weapons, or any act likely to cause a breach of peace within the specified area.
The incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community. On Wednesday, the protest site and hospital campus were vandalized by a mob, leading to security personnel intervening and dispersing the crowd. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the police are continuing their efforts to gather evidence and apprehend the perpetrators.