A disturbing claim has been circulating on social media and news outlets regarding the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The claim suggests that 150mg (and in some cases, 150 grams) of semen was found in the victim’s body, as stated in the autopsy report. This claim has sparked widespread outrage, with many interpreting it as evidence of multiple perpetrators involved in the crime.
Fact-Checking the Claims
BOOM, a fact-checking organization, investigated these claims by accessing the post-mortem report, which has not been made public. The autopsy report includes a section titled “External and Internal Genitalia,” where the figure “Wt-151 gm” is mentioned. This led to widespread misinterpretation, with some believing this referred to the weight of the semen found in the victim’s body.
However, Dr. JA Jaylal, former National President of the Indian Medical Association, clarified that the “151 gm” figure refers to the weight of the “External and Internal Genitalia” and not the weight of the semen. The report described a white thick viscid (viscous) liquid present inside the endocervical canal, but there is no indication in the report that this liquid was measured or weighed as 150 mg or 150 grams of semen.
Further, the West Bengal government reiterated this clarification during a hearing at the Supreme Court, dismissing the claims about the quantity of semen.
Analyzing the Misinterpretation
The misinterpretation seems to have originated from the ambiguity in the autopsy report, which was reportedly conducted in haste. Several organs were weighed in the report, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys, but there was no specific weight assigned to any bodily fluids, including semen.
Business Today had initially quoted Dr. Subarna Goswami, who incorrectly interpreted the 150mg figure as the weight of semen, leading to the spread of this misinformation. This erroneous claim was picked up by other news outlets and social media users, leading to widespread confusion and concern.
Cause of Death and Autopsy Details
The autopsy report also details the cause of death as “manual strangulation associated with smothering,” confirming it as a case of homicide. It also notes evidence of forceful penetration, suggesting the possibility of sexual assault.
Result: Misleading
The claim that 150mg of semen was found in the victim’s body is misleading. The figure mentioned in the autopsy report refers to the weight of the “External and Internal Genitalia,” not the weight of semen. The spread of this misinformation has caused unnecessary distress and confusion, detracting from the seriousness of the actual findings.