Kolkata trainee doctor sexually assaulted and murdered; Mamata Banerjee says accused can be hanged
Kolkata doctor murder: A preliminary post-mortem report has confirmed that a post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to the arrest of one suspect and triggering protests by junior doctors and criticism from the BJP over the state’s law and order situation.
The tragic incident came to light on Friday when the semi-nude body of the trainee doctor was found inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Kolkata police quickly launched an investigation, and one person, who allegedly had unrestricted access to various departments of the hospital, was arrested after a thorough review of CCTV footage. “We have arrested one person who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious, and he seems to be directly involved in the crime,” a police official was quoted as saying.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the incident, describing it as “unfortunate and despicable.” She assured the victim’s family that the case would be fast-tracked and that the accused would face the strictest possible punishment. “I have directed for the case to be taken to a fast-track court. If needed, the accused will be hanged, even though I am not pro-capital punishment. But they should be given the strictest punishment,” Mamata Banerjee stated.
The post-mortem report, spanning four pages, revealed disturbing details of the assault. The victim was found with bleeding from her private parts, as well as injuries to her face, belly, neck, left leg, right hand, and ring finger. She was also bleeding from her eyes and mouth, and her neck bone was broken, suggesting she was first strangled and then smothered to death. The autopsy findings have intensified demands for justice, with the police now waiting for the full report to help identify the culprits.
The Kolkata police have also formed an SIT comprising members of the homicide department to ensure a thorough investigation. The police have also questioned two intern doctors in connection with the case.
The incident has sparked protests by junior doctors and nurses at the hospital, who are demanding swift justice for their colleague. A candlelight march was held by the students of the medical college, while nurses organised a rally calling for accountability.
It is learnt that the victim had dinner with her juniors around 2 am before heading to the seminar room to rest, as there was no separate on-call room available. Her body was found in the morning.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the protesting doctors to continue treating patients while also pushing for justice. She also indicated that the state government would investigate potential negligence by the hospital administration. “Just as we have a responsibility, the hospital’s superintendent too has a responsibility. We will also probe if there was negligence on any part,” she said.