Mojo
Kolkata Doctor’s Tragic Case: Details, Developments, and Ongoing Updates
In August 2024, the tragic rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata shocked the nation, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about the safety of women in the workplace, as well as the integrity of law enforcement in West Bengal.
The 31-year-old victim, whose name has been withheld out of respect for her family, was found brutally assaulted and murdered in a seminar hall within the hospital premises on August 9. The initial investigation revealed a horrifying scene, with the postmortem report detailing over 14 injuries on her body, all inflicted before her death. These injuries, concentrated on her head, face, neck, arms, and genitalia, pointed to a sustained and vicious attack. The autopsy also confirmed sexual assault, as evidence of forceful penetration was discovered, along with the presence of a “white, thick liquid” in her genitalia. The cause of death was identified as manual strangulation combined with smothering, confirming that the victim was murdered.
The case took a darker turn when it was revealed that Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested the day after the incident. Roy reportedly confessed to the crime and asked to be swiftly punished. However, his confession led to widespread speculation that he might have been a scapegoat, with suspicions that others, possibly with connections to influential individuals, might be involved. This suspicion was fueled by an audio clip circulating on social media, in which two resident doctors discussed the possibility of tampering with CCTV footage and other evidence.
The investigation, or rather the lack thereof, has come under severe criticism. The Kolkata Police were accused of negligence, with claims that they initially tried to pass off the incident as a suicide. This misrepresentation, combined with the hasty cremation of the victim’s body—despite the ongoing investigation—suggested a deliberate attempt to cover up the crime. The victim’s family and colleagues have expressed their dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the case, particularly after discovering that a crucial page from the victim’s diary, which might have contained significant details about her harassers, was torn out.
The controversy intensified when the state government, led by Mamata Banerjee, was accused of mishandling the situation. The Chief Minister’s offer of ₹10 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family was widely condemned as an insensitive gesture that failed to address the demand for justice. Furthermore, the government’s response to the protests—led by doctors and medical staff across West Bengal—was seen as repressive. Instead of supporting the aggrieved medical community, the government pressured them to end their strike and return to work, adding to the perception that there was an effort to suppress public dissent.
The situation reached a critical point when the Calcutta High Court intervened, transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to the glaring lapses in the police inquiry. This move was welcomed by the victim’s family and the broader public, who hope that a more thorough investigation will reveal the full truth and bring all those responsible to justice.
In response to the public outcry, the state government announced several measures aimed at improving the safety of women, particularly those working in state-run hospitals. These measures include the establishment of designated ‘safe zones’ monitored by CCTV cameras and the provision of secure retiring rooms for female staff working night shifts. However, these steps, while necessary, have been criticized as too little, too late.
The case has also sparked broader discussions about the safety of women in India, especially in professional settings that should be safe and secure. The protests, particularly the “Meyera Raat Dokhol Koro” (Reclaim the Night) movement, have highlighted the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and safety in a society where such incidents are all too common. The vandalism of RG Kar Medical College during these protests further underscored the deep anger and frustration felt by many in Kolkata and beyond.
As the investigation continues under the CBI, there is cautious optimism that the truth will come to light. However, the case has already left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the nation, serving as a grim reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure the safety and dignity of women in India. The incident has also cast a long shadow over the West Bengal government, raising serious questions about its commitment to justice and its ability to protect its citizens.
