Trainee Doctor, a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, was tragically found dead on August 9, 2024. Her body was discovered in a seminar hall within the college, where she had been brutally assaulted and murdered. The shocking nature of her death has left the medical community and the public in deep sorrow and outrage.
After midnight, the victim, along with four colleagues, ordered food and celebrated Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal win. After dinner, her colleagues left, but she stayed back to study in the seminar room. She was last seen sleeping in the room at around 3 AM. At 4 AM, the accused entered the seminar room, sexually assaulted her, and strangled her when she tried to resist. Her body was discovered at 7:30 AM.
The official postmortem report, released late on Friday, confirmed sexual assault on the Trainee Doctor. The report highlighted multiple injuries and signs of struggle on the body, including blood stains on the face, eyes, and nose, scratches on various parts, and bleeding from private parts. There were also injuries on her lips, abdomen, right hand, and fingers, and her collarbone was found broken.
A torn earphone found in the seminar room where the Trainee Doctor’s body was discovered played a crucial role in identifying Sanjay Roy. CCTV footage captured Roy entering the emergency building at 4 AM with a Bluetooth device hanging around his neck. When he exited the building 40 minutes later, the earphone was missing. It was later found paired with his mobile phone, leading to his identification and arrest.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at RG Kar Medical College, was arrested in connection with Trainee Doctor’s death. The investigation led the police to Roy after a torn Bluetooth earphone wire, found near Trainee Doctor’s body, was linked to him. Roy later confessed to the crime, admitting to the assault and murder of Trainee Doctor. His confession was chillingly devoid of remorse, revealing a disturbing history of violence. The investigation has taken a disturbing turn with the discovery of explicit pornographic videos on Roy’s mobile phone. This new evidence has intensified the scrutiny around the case.
Sanjay Roy joined the Kolkata Police’s Disaster Management Group as a civic volunteer in 2019. Using “proper connections,” he managed to get transferred to the Welfare Cell of Kolkata Police. Reportedly, he also used his contacts to secure accommodation within the 4th Battalion campus of the Kolkata Police, which eventually facilitated his posting at R.G. Kar Medical College. Roy had been stationed at the police outpost within the college multiple times, giving him easy access to all the departments in the hospital.
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The Calcutta High Court has ordered the transfer of the investigation into the rape and murder of a Trainee Doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision, made on August 13, 2024, follows significant concerns about the progress of the initial inquiry by state authorities.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the state police’s handling of the case, noting that despite the gravity of the crime, an assault and murder that occurred within a government hospital. there had been no significant advancements in the investigation. The court highlighted that crucial evidence and the crime scene’s condition warranted immediate action by an independent body.
A CBI team, including forensic and medical experts, is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on August 14 to review the scene and gather evidence. This action follows the court’s instruction for the state police to hand over all relevant documents, including the case diary, CCTV footage, and witness statements, to the CBI by 10 am the next day.
The court criticized the hospital administration for its lack of support to the victim’s family and its failure to promptly address the case. It also questioned why an unnatural death case was initially filed rather than a murder investigation, calling it a serious oversight. The administration’s delay in lodging a formal complaint further fueled concerns about potential evidence tampering.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the court directed that Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, be placed on leave. His recent appointment as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, shortly after his resignation from RG Kar, has been met with controversy and protests.
The medical community and the public have reacted with a mix of grief, anger, and calls for justice. Trainee Doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College have protested, demanding accountability and safety measures to protect the staff and students. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and a demand for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Trainee Doctor’s family is devastated by the loss of their daughter, who was not only a promising medical student but also a beloved member of her family. The grief they are experiencing is compounded by the horrific circumstances of her death. Their lives have been irreparably altered, and they are now seeking justice for their daughter, even as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Trainee Doctor’s tragic death has raised serious concerns about the safety of students and professionals in medical colleges and similar institutions. It has highlighted the need for stringent safety measures, better oversight, and a culture of accountability within these environments. The case has also underscored the importance of addressing systemic issues that could lead to such tragedies, ensuring that the safety and well-being of students and staff are prioritized.
To prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future, several steps can be taken:
- Implementing and enforcing strict safety protocols within educational institutions.
- Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are thoroughly vetted and monitored.
- Establishing clear channels for reporting suspicious behavior and ensuring that reports are taken seriously and acted upon.
- Promoting a culture of safety, respect, and accountability at all levels within the institution.
By addressing these issues, institutions can create a safer environment for students and staff, reducing the risk of such devastating events.
Trainee Doctor’s memory will be honored through the pursuit of justice in her case and by ensuring that her death serves as a catalyst for change. The medical community is determined to remember her not just as a victim, but as a dedicated and compassionate young Trainee Doctor whose life was tragically cut short. Efforts are being made to ensure that her legacy lives on through improved safety measures and a renewed commitment to the well-being of all students and professionals in the field.