NCW inquiry reveals security lapses and poor amenities at Kolkata hospital where doctor was murdered
Kolkata doctor murder: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has released preliminary findings from its inquiry into the tragic sexual assault and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The two-member inquiry committee, led by NCW member Delina Khondgup and advocate Soma Chaudhary, has found significant lapses in security, infrastructure, and investigative procedures surrounding the case.
The inquiry was initiated following a media report that revealed alarming details about the incident. On August 10, 2024, the NCW addressed a letter to the Kolkata Police Commissioner demanding immediate and thorough action. The report, titled “Kolkata Rape-Murder: Hospital Official Told Doctor’s Family She Died by Suicide, Say Sources,” raised serious concerns about the handling of the case.
Upon arriving in Kolkata on August 12, 2024, the inquiry committee conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Their findings highlighted several critical issues. The committee discovered that the hospital lacked adequate security measures during night shifts. There were no security guards present, and there was insufficient protection for on-call interns, doctors, and nurses. Additionally, basic amenities for female staff, such as washrooms, were found to be in poor condition, lacking proper lighting and security measures.
Another troubling finding was that the site where the victim was allegedly assaulted and murdered was undergoing sudden renovations. This has raised concerns about potential evidence tampering, as the crime scene should have been sealed immediately by the police to preserve evidence. The inquiry also noted that the questioning of the former hospital Principal, who resigned after the incident, remains incomplete.
The NCW has stressed the urgency of addressing these security and infrastructure deficiencies. The commission has called for immediate corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In response to the incident and the ongoing protests, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of services. Starting from 6 am on August 17 to 6 am on August 18, modern medicine doctors will cease routine OPD and elective surgeries, though essential services will continue.
The sexual assault and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor on August 9 has sparked widespread protests. The violence escalated on Wednesday when the protesters vandalised RG Kar Medical College campus, leading to a clash with security personnel.