The parents of the victim participated in a protest alongside junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College
The tragic case of a trainee doctor allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sparked widespread outrage and protests. The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved the discovery of the victim's body in a semi-naked state within the hospital's seminar hall. This shocking event has led to serious allegations against the police regarding their handling of the investigation and the aftermath of the crime
Image Credit: Hindustan Time
Allegations Against Police
On Wednesday, the victim's family publicly accused the Kolkata Police of attempting to suppress the case. They alleged that the police hastily cremated the body of their daughter, denying them the opportunity to see her one last time. The father of the victim claimed that a senior police official offered them money in an attempt to silence their demands for justice, which they firmly rejected. “The police, from the very beginning, tried to hush up the case. We were not allowed to see the body and had to wait at the police station while the body was taken for post-mortem examinations,” he stated, as reported by news agency PTI
The family’s allegations have intensified calls for accountability, with the victim's parents participating in protests alongside junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They demand justice for their daughter and have expressed distrust in the police's investigation process
Protests and Cease Work
The protests have been ongoing for over three weeks, with junior doctors across West Bengal participating in a cease work to highlight their demands for justice. Health services in state-run hospitals have been severely impacted due to these protests. One junior doctor emphasized that their demands remain unmet, stating, “Our demand for justice is still unfulfilled. The protests will continue till our sister gets justice and the culprits are brought to book.” The protesters have also called for the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, citing inadequate police action in the investigation
Investigation Developments
Following the incident, the Kolkata Police arrested the main suspect, Sanjay Roy, shortly after the body was discovered. He was identified through CCTV footage that showed him entering the building around the time of the crime, and his Bluetooth headphones were found at the scene. However, Roy's defense claims he is innocent and intends to plead not guilty, asserting that he was framed
In a significant development, the investigation has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the Calcutta High Court intervened, citing concerns over the police's handling of the case. The CBI has since arrested Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, for alleged financial misconduct related to the institution, further complicating the situation surrounding the case
Legislative Response
In response to the public outcry and the seriousness of the crime, the West Bengal Assembly has introduced an anti-rape Bill aimed at enhancing penalties for sexual offenses. This legislation proposes capital punishment for rapists whose actions result in the victim's death or permanent incapacitation. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for more stringent laws to protect women and children in the state.
