A devastating incident has occurred at a government hospital in Kolkata, where a 31-year-old doctor was raped and murdered. The shocking case has prompted nationwide outrage and widespread protests.
The victim’s parents, who have petitioned the Calcutta High Court to transfer the investigation to the CBI, revealed troubling details about the case. They allege that the post-mortem report indicates their daughter was subjected to severe violence and sexual assault, with evidence suggesting possible gang rape.
Details from the Petition
According to the petition, the post-mortem report described the doctor’s death as a result of neck strangulation and noted signs of sexual assault. The petition highlights multiple injuries, including trauma to her head and ears, bite marks on her neck, and injuries to her lips, which suggest she may have been silenced during the attack. The report also revealed 150 mg of semen in her body, indicating the involvement of more than one perpetrator.
Arrests and Investigations
Before the case was handed over to the CBI, state police arrested Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with ties to the hospital. The petition argues that no further arrests have been made, despite clear indications of a gang rape and murder. The parents also criticized the lack of action against hospital officials, including the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
High Court’s Order
The Calcutta High Court’s order to transfer the case to the CBI came with strong criticism of the hospital administration and its former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh. The court questioned why no police complaint was filed promptly and criticized the state government for reappointing Dr. Ghosh to another medical college shortly after his resignation.
Parents’ Allegations
The victim’s parents claim to have learned through reliable sources that evidence suggests at least three individuals were involved in the strangulation. They argue that the autopsy was conducted hastily to shield others involved in their daughter’s death.
State’s Response
There are allegations that the Mamata Banerjee-led government may be attempting to shield the perpetrators in the Kolkata doctor’s murder case. Critics argue that the state’s handling of the case, including the actions of the police and the delay in taking substantial action against other suspects, suggests a lack of commitment to fully addressing the crime.
Specifically, the transfer of the investigation to the CBI was prompted by concerns raised by the victim’s parents and the Calcutta High Court’s criticisms of the local authorities, including the hospital administration. The court’s order pointed to lapses in the initial investigation and questioned the state government’s response, including the reappointment of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who was criticized for his handling of the case.
The state government’s counsel informed the court that the victim’s inquest and post-mortem were conducted properly, with oversight from a Judicial Magistrate and lady doctors. They also claimed that the process was videographed and that the post-mortem report was shared with the family to address their concerns.
CBI Takes Over
The CBI has taken over the investigation, with officials and forensic experts forming three teams to handle different aspects of the case, including visiting the crime scene, seeking custody of the accused, and coordinating with local police.
Nationwide Protests
The horrific nature of the crime has sparked protests across India. Women in Kolkata and other cities have taken to the streets to demand justice and better security. Protests, dubbed “Women, Reclaim the Night,” have been organized in various locations, including Delhi’s AIIMS and Chittaranjan Park. The demonstrations began at 11:55 pm, symbolizing a stand against the idea that the night is unsafe for women.
How It All Started
Researcher Rimjhim Sinha’s call for a protest, triggered by comments reportedly made by the RG Kar principal about the victim’s safety, led to a massive turnout. Sinha’s Facebook post, challenging the notion that women should be restricted from going out at night, resonated widely, leading to spontaneous gatherings across the state and beyond.
Celebrity Support and Further Actions
Numerous celebrities, including actors Swastika Mukherjee and Churni Ganguly, and filmmakers like Srijit Mukherji and Kaushik Ganguly, have voiced their support for the protests. In response, Kolkata Metro is running additional trains, and free bus services for women are being provided to accommodate the large number of participants.
Key Points:
- Brutal Attack: The doctor was subjected to a violent assault, including rape and strangulation.
- Gang Rape Suspicion: The presence of a significant amount of semen suggests multiple perpetrators.
- Investigation Under CBI: The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation due to concerns over the state police’s handling.
- Public Outrage: The incident has sparked nationwide protests and demands for stricter laws against sexual violence.
- Systemic Issues: The case has highlighted the broader issue of women’s safety and the need for improved security measures in public spaces and workplaces.
Overall, while there are serious concerns and accusations regarding the handling of the case, it remains to be seen how the CBI’s investigation will address these issues and whether any evidence of misconduct by the state authorities will be uncovered. As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches with heavy hearts, hoping for justice for the victim and systemic changes to prevent such tragedies from happening again.