The National Commission for Women (NCW) has identified significant lapses in security and infrastructure at Kolkata’s RG Medical College and Hospital, where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was tragically raped and murdered. The NCW’s report suggests that these deficiencies could have contributed to evidence tampering and hindered the investigation.
The NCW’s investigation uncovered several critical issues:
Lack of Security: The report highlights the absence of security guards during the incident, leaving the hospital staff—comprising interns, doctors, and nurses—without adequate protection during night shifts.
Tampering Concerns: Sudden renovations at the crime scene, where the assault took place, raised concerns about potential tampering with evidence.
Improper Crime Scene Handling: The NCW criticized the Kolkata Police for failing to immediately seal off the crime scene.
Inadequate Facilities: The hospital was found to be lacking basic amenities for female medical staff, including poorly maintained restrooms, insufficient lighting, and no security measures.
Investigative Shortcomings: The NCW noted that the investigation into the case was incomplete, specifically citing delays in the questioning of former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who resigned following the incident.
The NCW took suo motu cognizance of the case after media reports highlighted the incident. On August 10, the commission sent a letter to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, demanding a thorough investigation and immediate action.
A two-member Inquiry Committee was established, consisting of NCW member Delina Khondgup and advocate Soma Chaudhary from the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority. The committee arrived in Kolkata on August 12 and has been diligently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
Nationwide Doctors’ Strike
In response to the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike. From 6 am on August 17 to 6 am on August 18, routine outpatient departments and elective surgeries will be suspended, though essential services will continue. This strike is part of ongoing protests against the rape and murder of the trainee doctor.
The tragic event has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice across the country, with the medical community actively participating in the protests.