How the Very Places meant for Saving Lives, Take them Away – The Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

The state-run RG Kar Medical Hospital and College has been in the news recently over the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor. This case raises bigger questions about the safety of our doctors and the medical infrastructure of the country. The recent NEET controversy has brought up important conversations about the qualifications and skills needed to be part of this noble profession, but when the very doctors’ safety is threatened, all kinds of antics to avoid responsibility are ployed.

The Rape-Murder Case

In the wee hours of the morning on Friday, the raped and murdered body of a 31 year old, postgraduate trainee was found inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical Hospital and College. The initial autopsy report of the victim revealed several injuries and blood loss in the eyes, mouth, neck, arms, legs and private parts. Another resort states that the circumstantial evidence suggests a possibility that the doctor was murdered first and then raped.

Protests by other Medical Professionals

Saturday onwards, the state of West Bengal has witnessed multiple protests organised by junior doctors, residents and paramedic staff. The medical services across West Bengal have been disrupted owing to the massive protests. The protestors have called for increased safety on the hospital premises and strict, immediate action against the perpetrator of the crime as well as the resignation of the principal of the RG Kar Medical College. This incident is not an isolated event, but a product of broader systematic and societal issues. Dysfunctional CCTV cameras, no functional female washrooms and resting areas for on-call doctors, and no proper security measurements undertaken by the hospital authorities are just a few complaints that were brought up by the protesting students and doctors. They insisted that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure justice for the victim.

As part of their demand, City Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal has highlighted the transparency of the investigation and denied any claims of trying to shield anyone.

The Investigation Findings

The investigations are still underway and the authorities suspect that more than one person may be responsible for this heinous crime. The one accused of the crime, Sanjoy Roy, has been in police custody. Roy was not an employee of the hospital but frequently visited the hospital premises. He, instead, worked as a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police. Civic volunteers are employed on a contractual basis to assist cops in many types of jobs however they do not enjoy the facilities that are available to regular police personnels. According to local reports, Sanjoy Roy admitted to the crime when the police started questioning him. He was very nonchalant throughout the investigation and showed no sign of remorse whatsoever. He is kept in police custody till the 23rd of August.