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Dhankhar Slams Kapil Sibal Over Kolkata Horror: ‘Adding Salt to Our Wounds’

September 1, 2024, 5:42 pm

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar launched a fresh attack on Rajya Sabha MP and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal today, condemning remarks made about the recent rape and murder of a doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata. Dhankhar described the incident as a profound disgrace to humanity and criticized “some stray voices” for worsening the situation.

Earlier, Dhankhar had addressed a public event where he mentioned that someone with a position in the Supreme Court Bar and also a member of Parliament had referred to the Kolkata incident as a “symptomatic malaise” and suggested that such incidents were not uncommon. This comment was directed at Sibal, who is the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and is representing the Mamata Banerjee government in the ongoing case. Sibal reportedly used this expression in a resolution by the Supreme Court Bar Association.

At an event at AIIMS Rishikesh today, Dhankhar condemned such remarks, stating that incidents like the one in Kolkata bring shame to all of civilization. He said, “When humanity has been shamed, there are some stray voices, voices that cause concern. They only aggravate our excruciating pain. To put it mildly, they are adding salt to our injured conscience. When such statements come from a Member of Parliament and a senior advocate, the culpability is of an extreme degree.”

Dhankhar called for those with misguided views to reconsider and publicly apologize. He asserted, “There can be no alibi for such demonizing thoughts. I call upon such misguided souls to revisit their thoughts and publicly tender an apology. This is not an occasion where you should be looking through a political prism. This political prism is a dangerous one; it kills your objectivity.”

The Vice President also emphasized the need for the safety of doctors in their workplaces. He pointed out, “A doctor can help only to a limit. A doctor cannot transform into a god. He is next to God, so when somebody dies, due to emotive and uncontrolled feelings, doctors are not given the treatment they deserve… The security of doctors, nurses, compounders, and health warriors must be impregnable.”

Dhankhar criticized the “selective silence” of NGOs, saying, “Certain NGOs that are usually quick to respond to incidents are silent here. We must question them. Their silence is far worse than the culpable acts of the perpetrators of this heinous crime on August 9, 2024. Those who seek to play politics and gain brownie points are not responding to the call of their conscience.”

He urged that the situation should not be used for political gain but should prompt bipartisan efforts. “It is not an occasion to earn brownie points or score political mileage. This requires bipartisan concerted efforts. All stakeholders in democracy need to come together on one platform,” he added.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu had expressed her anguish over crimes against women, declaring, “Enough is enough.” She emphasized that India must confront the “perversion” of crimes against women and challenge the mindset that sees women as “less powerful, less capable, and less intelligent.”

Survey on Kolkata Doctor Rape Case

August 31, 2024, 1:06 am

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged PM Modi for stricter central laws and swift punishment for heinous crimes like rape and murder. In her letter, sent following the nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, Banerjee emphasized the need for time-bound disposal of such cases. She announced that the state assembly would pass an amendment next week to ensure capital punishment for convicted rapists. While awaiting a response from the Prime Minister, Banerjee mentioned receiving a communication from the Union Women and Child Development minister.

64% believe women’s helplines are effective in preventing crimes against women.

Here is the survey:

Q1: Mamata Banerjee wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Modi, demanding the death penalty for rapists. What is your opinion?

Q2: In the Kolkata rape and murder case, who is most responsible for the increase in crimes against women?

Q3: Should there be stricter punishments for heinous crimes like rape against women?

Q4: Have women’s helpline services proved effective in preventing crimes against women?

CBI to Conduct Lie Detector Test on Sanjoy Roy Today, in Kolkata Doctor’s Murder Case

August 25, 2024, 5:25 am

The polygraph test for Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, is expected to be conducted today (Sunday), according to officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Roy, who is currently being held in the Presidency correctional home under tight security, had his polygraph test postponed due to technical reasons.

Background of the Case

Sanjoy Roy was previously claimed to have confessed to the crime during an interrogation by Kolkata Police. However, Roy has since denied any involvement, asserting that he is being falsely accused. Despite his claims, both Kolkata Police and the CBI have identified several inconsistencies in Roy’s statements and behaviour.

Evidence Against Roy

Investigators have noted numerous pieces of evidence that implicate Roy in the crime:

CCTV Footage: Surveillance footage reportedly shows Roy in the corridor leading to the crime scene at 4:03 a.m., just minutes before the crime occurred.

Physical Injuries: Roy has unexplained fresh injuries on his face and other parts of his body, which he has failed to adequately explain.

Seized Items and Forensic Evidence: Investigators have collected various pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage, Roy’s mobile phone data, and biological samples such as urethral swabs, semen, hair, nail clippings, and nail scrapings.

Legal Proceedings and Claims

During his court appearance on Friday at the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court in Sealdah, Roy reiterated his claim of being framed. Despite this, he consented to the polygraph test, suggesting it might help prove his innocence. Roy’s lawyer has also defended his client by pointing out alleged inconsistencies and questioning the evidence against him.

The CBI continues to investigate the case, using the polygraph test results and other gathered evidence to ascertain the truth behind the tragic crime. The outcome of the polygraph test and further investigations will play a crucial role in the case’s development.

CBI Seeks Court Approval for Polygraph Tests on RG Kar Hospital ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh

August 22, 2024, 7:01 pm

On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought permission from the Kolkata High Court to conduct polygraph tests on Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and four other doctors. The request follows discrepancies in their statements during the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the hospital.

A senior CBI official confirmed that the agency has formally requested the court’s authorization to carry out the polygraph tests. Once approved, these tests will be used to verify and corroborate the statements made by the involved individuals. The official stated, “We aim to corroborate their statements with the results of the polygraph test to ensure accuracy in the information provided to the agency.”

Dr. Ghosh had previously been questioned about his response to the incident, including his notifications to the police and the victim’s family, among other related matters. The polygraph test is expected to assist in verifying the authenticity of the statements and supporting the ongoing investigation.

In related developments, following an appeal by the Supreme Court, healthcare professionals at All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi have ended their 11-day strike and resumed their duties. The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at AIIMS announced the decision, stating, “In the interest of the nation and the spirit of public service, the RDA, AIIMS, New Delhi, has decided to call off the strike. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s appeal and direction. We appreciate the Supreme Court’s intervention in addressing the RG Kar Medical College incident and broader concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers.”

The Supreme Court had previously directed healthcare professionals to return to work and assured that no adverse actions would be taken against them. This directive came as part of the court’s broader response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, which has led to widespread protests and strikes by the medical community.

The Supreme Court has also initiated its own proceedings on the case, directing the formation of a task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The court has requested the CBI to provide a status report on the investigation and has asked the West Bengal government to report on a mob attack incident that occurred at RG Kar Hospital on August 15.

The rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 ignited nationwide outrage and protests, leading to significant disruptions in healthcare services. The case remains a focal point for both judicial and public scrutiny as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: SC orders immediate removal of deceased’s identity and images from Media

August 20, 2024, 10:32 pm

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India issued a directive for the immediate removal of any content related to the deceased in the RG Kar Hospital case from social media and electronic media platforms. The Court’s order includes the removal of names, photographs, and video clips associated with the case. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued the injunction after observing that the victim’s identity and graphic images of the deceased were being widely disseminated online.
The Court’s decision was prompted by a petition that raised concerns about the circulation of sensitive and explicit content following a murder and alleged rape at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The petition highlighted that the deceased’s name and images, including photographs and video clips of the body, were being shared extensively on social media and electronic platforms, violating the privacy and dignity of the victim.
The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to protect the victim’s identity and prevent further exploitation of their personal information. The Court’s order requires all relevant media platforms to comply by removing the content immediately. This action underscores the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy and dignity, especially in sensitive cases involving serious allegations. The directive also reflects the Court’s commitment to addressing the misuse of media and protecting the rights of individuals involved in such high-profile incidents.

SIT and CBI Double Trouble: Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Ex Principal Under Dual Scrutiny

August 20, 2024, 5:10 am

The financial transactions at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College during the tenure of former Principal Sandip Ghosh will be scrutinized following allegations of irregularities. The West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe these alleged financial discrepancies. The SIT, led by Inspector General of Police Dr. Pranav Kumar, is tasked with accessing relevant documents from government departments and private agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. The team is expected to submit its report within a month.

Sandip Ghosh, who has faced severe criticism following the rape-murder of a doctor on the hospital premises, is also under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is questioning him about hospital security, the handling of his resignation, the decision to declare the death a suicide prematurely, the contamination of the crime scene, and the sudden renovation of rooms near where the doctor’s body was found.

A note from the government’s Home and Hill Affairs Department Internal Security Branch stated, “The SIT will have the liberty to access any relevant document from government departments and private agencies required for expeditious completion of the inquiry.” The SIT will investigate the alleged financial irregularities from January 2021 to the present.

The decision to transfer Ghosh to the National Medical College and Hospital within hours of his resignation has drawn significant criticism from the Opposition, civil society, and the Calcutta High Court. The court questioned the appropriateness of promoting someone who failed in their duty to protect students. The judges remarked, “Even assuming the resignation was not accepted, the least that can be expected from a responsible higher official of the concerned department is to immediately relieve the Principal from his duties and not assign him any other duty of equal responsibility.”

In response to the criticism and adverse comments on social media, Ghosh resigned from his post and government service. Despite his resignation, a government order announced his transfer to the National Medical College shortly thereafter. Ghosh is currently on long leave, and the CBI is closely examining his call records and communications.

Survey on Raksha Bandhan

August 19, 2024, 11:58 pm

On Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrated the brother-sister bond with the tying of sacred threads and a focus on pressing issues such as environmental conservation, social equity, and women’s safety. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion at his residence, where schoolchildren tied rakhis on his wrist. He extended wishes for prosperity and good fortune, emphasizing the “auspicious” nature of the day.

In Kolkata, the festival took on a significant political dimension due to ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at a state-run medical college. Protesters tied rakhis with messages demanding “justice,” and Kolkata Police personnel also participated in the gesture by tying rakhis to junior doctors who were part of the protests.

53% of Those Surveyed Believe Sisters’ and Daughters’ Safety is Ensured in the Country.

Here is the Survey:

Q-1 Do you feel that the safety of sisters and daughters is guaranteed in the country?

Q-2 What do you consider the biggest threat to the safety of sisters and daughters?

Q-3 Do women feel safe at dark places?

Q-4 When is the concern for women’s safety the highest?

Q-5 If you are present during an incident with a woman, what will you do?

Mother of Murdered Kolkata Doctor Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Protest Suppression

August 19, 2024, 7:07 am

The mother of a 31-year-old junior doctor who was raped and murdered at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to suppress protests against the crime. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the state, with the victim’s mother expressing dissatisfaction with the Kolkata police’s handling of the case.

The victim’s mother criticized the Chief Minister for not taking sufficient action, alleging that only one person has been arrested despite the likelihood that more individuals were involved. She expressed concern that the Chief Minister was trying to stifle protests, as evidenced by the police enforcing prohibitory orders to prevent the assembly of protesters. These orders were particularly evident when the police intervened to prevent the gathering of protestors outside Salt Lake Stadium during a Durand Cup match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, leading to the match being abandoned.

The victim’s mother also accused the Kolkata police of conducting a rushed and inadequate investigation. She claimed that the police were more focused on closing the case quickly, pushing for a fast autopsy and cremation of her daughter’s body without properly investigating the circumstances of her death. The situation escalated to the point where the Kolkata High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case, citing concerns about the local police’s handling of the investigation.

The victim, a junior doctor, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, and initial reports from the hospital falsely claimed she had died by suicide. Her mother recounted the harrowing details of the condition in which they found her daughter, with visible injuries that strongly suggested foul play. This led to further anger and calls for justice, as many believe the crime involved more than just the one arrested individual.

In the aftermath of the crime, protests erupted throughout Kolkata and other parts of the country. Medical professionals and students led rallies demanding safer working conditions for doctors. The protests were particularly intense around Salt Lake Stadium, where football fans from rival clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan united in their outrage over the incident. Despite attempts by the police to disperse them, the protesters continued their demonstrations, reflecting the deep sense of injustice felt by many.

The investigation by the CBI is ongoing, with the agency questioning several individuals connected to the hospital, including Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College who was transferred after the crime. The case has garnered national attention, highlighting the need for greater protection and justice for medical professionals in India.

Survey on Kolkata Doctor Rape Case

August 19, 2024, 1:15 am

In response to nationwide protests over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal’s Health Department has rescinded the transfer orders of 42 doctors. Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 prohibitory orders around R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days starting August 18, 2024, to prevent unlawful assembly. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, will hear the case on August 20. Meanwhile, former R.G. Kar Medical College principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh is being questioned by the CBI for the second day, focusing on his call details and communications related to the incident.

94% Believe Hospital Authorities Are Covering Up Truth in Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder Case.

Here is the survey:

Q-1: Mamata Banerjee and TMC are protesting against the Delhi doctor’s rape and murder case in Kolkata. What is your opinion on this protest?

Q-2: Mamata Banerjee transferred more than 40 doctors during the protest. What do you think is the reason behind this?

Q-3: Do you think there are many unanswered questions regarding the rape and murder of the Kolkata doctor, raising doubts about the government’s involvement?

Q-4: Is there an attempt to cover up the truth by managing the hospital authorities in the rape and murder case of the Kolkata doctor?

The Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Rumours’ True Story

August 16, 2024, 7:07 pm

The tragic demise of the Kolkata doctor has ignited a firestorm of public anger, primarily fueled by the relentless churning of social media. While the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for activism, it also presents a myriad of challenges that can obscure the truth and hinder justice.

Sensationalism or Scrutiny?
The initial reporting of the case by several media outlets, including prominent figures like Barkha Dutt, who described the incident as “absolutely insane” and “a violent mob,” has been characterized by sensationalism and oversimplification. The use of inflammatory language and graphic content, while designed to evoke strong emotions, risks obscuring the core issue: a heinous crime. The tendency to present the narrative in black-and-white terms, often neglecting potential complexities, can be misleading and counterproductive.

Misleading news story?

Dhruv Rathee’s involvement in the case is a prime example of how social media influencers can inadvertently contribute to the problem. His initial comparison to the Nirbhaya case, followed by its deletion, raised questions about external pressure. More importantly, his subsequent post revealing the victim’s identity was a grave breach of privacy and legal ethics. This incident underscores the need for influencers and media outlets to adhere to strict guidelines when handling sensitive cases.

Dhruv Rathee tweet on Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder case

Police and Government Under Fire
Amidst the media frenzy, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Vineet Goyal, has publicly blamed the media for the violence that erupted at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. He asserted, “My DCP, who was protecting the boys, is unconscious and what has happened here is because of the wrong, malicious media campaign, which has been going as far as Kolkata police are concerned” (Source: ANI, August 2024). While the destruction of the crime scene is undoubtedly a setback, it is essential to avoid shifting the blame entirely to the media. The primary focus should be on bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Kolkata Police on social media

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has added fuel to the fire by accusing the West Bengal government of a cover-up. Commenting on the recent rape and murder of a female doctor, Shrinate said, “The incident was extremely unfortunate. What happened to the woman doctor raises a critical question: Where is the safety for women?” (Source: ANI, August 2024). Her criticism highlights the broader public frustration with the perceived mishandling of high-profile cases.

Kolkata police correcting rumours about the case on social media.

Beyond the Headlines
While the media’s role in amplifying public outrage is undeniable, it is equally important to focus on the facts and avoid speculation. The revelation that the 150mg figure in the post-mortem report refers to the weight of the uterus, not the quantity of semen, as falsely alleged on social media, is a stark reminder of the importance of accurate information. The ongoing forensic analysis will hopefully shed light on the number of perpetrators involved.

The post-mortem report has confirmed a brutal murder, contradicting initial claims of suicide. The victim’s family’s alleged initial briefing about a possible suicide raises further questions about the handling of the case in its early hours. Read here.

The Digital Age and Its Challenges
The case has also highlighted the complexities of online activism. While social media has been instrumental in raising awareness and demanding justice, it has also been a breeding ground for misinformation and hate speech. The importance of verifying information before sharing it cannot be overstated.

An advertisement on online content about the case.

Moreover, the fact that #justiceformoumitadebnath is trending on Twitter highlights a significant issue: a disregard for the law and the rights of the victim. As the Supreme Court of India has issued clear directives prohibiting the identification of rape victims, such actions not only violate the victim’s privacy but also contribute to a culture of victim-blaming and re-traumatization.

X user coming out with names of the alleged perpetrators.

How we demand for justice for Kolkata doctor’s brutal rape-murder online.

The tragic death of the young doctor is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women. This includes not only swift and effective law enforcement but also a concerted effort to change societal attitudes and behaviors. The media has a crucial role to play in this process by providing accurate, responsible, and empathetic reporting.