Amidst widespread protests following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, TMC MP Mahua Moitra took to social media to address misinformation circulating in the media and online.
Moitra specifically addressed reports about the autopsy report, which mentioned “150 grams of bodily fluids.” She clarified that this figure refers to the weight of the victim’s inner and outer genitalia, not fluids, which are measured in millilitres. She urged media outlets to exercise due diligence and accuracy in their reporting.
Addressing concerns regarding evidence tampering at the crime scene, Moitra stated that the area has been sealed off and only police and CBI personnel have access. She also explained that the construction work starting immediately at the crime scene was unrelated to the investigation. The work, she clarified, was initiated at a different location chosen by students to address the need for additional toilets in the hospital, as confirmed by the health secretary.
Moitra also refuted reports of an inquiry committee being established to analyze the victim’s mental health and psychiatric condition. She clarified that a five-member inquiry committee was set up as per standard operating procedures (SOP) to investigate any potential lapses on the part of the hospital.
The TMC MP emphasized the importance of responsible reporting and called for busting fake news while addressing genuine concerns.
The 31-year-old trainee doctor was found dead on Friday after being raped and murdered in a seminar room at the RG Kar Medical College. The doctor had retired to sleep on a piece of carpet in the room after a grueling 36-hour shift, due to the lack of dorms or resting rooms for doctors on the premises. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime. The horrific incident has sparked nationwide protests among doctors, drawing parallels to the 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi.
