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Kolkata Rape and Murder: Police Raise Alarm Over Junior Doctor’s Health Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike

October 10, 2024, 8:59 pm

Kolkata Police have raised concerns over the deteriorating health of Dr. Aniket Mahato, a junior doctor who has been on a hunger strike at the Dorina crossing since October 5. In a formal letter, the Officer-in-Charge of Hare Street Police Station highlighted the worsening condition of the doctor, who is staging the protest on an unauthorized platform.

The letter, addressed to Dr. Mahato, stated, “You are on a hunger strike at the Dorina crossing since last Saturday on a stage erected without permission from the competent authority.” The police expressed worry after assessing information displayed on a health parameters board near the protest site, as well as other sources, which indicated Dr. Mahato’s deteriorating health.

Police Request Medical Intervention

The Kolkata Police previously offered Dr. Mahato the use of a KP Police Ambulance, which he refused. To address his declining health, the police requested that the West Bengal Department of Health deploy a medical team to assist him. The letter urged Dr. Mahato to vacate his current location and seek medical attention to prevent further complications. The authorities assured him of full logistical support if he complied with the request.

Junior Doctors Express Frustration Over Government Inaction

In a related development, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front has written to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, expressing frustration over the lack of response from the state government regarding their demands. The group expressed disappointment that it took 96 hours of Dr. Mahato’s hunger strike to prompt a meeting with government officials.

The letter, sent by the junior doctors, stated, “We were disheartened by the fact that it took 96 hours of an indefinite hunger strike for you to even call us for a meeting.” The doctors also criticized the lack of timely updates, pointing out that their emails from September 26 and September 29 had gone unanswered.

The doctors further emphasized their right to formal updates on the progress of their demands, insisting on a weekly status report from the government. “We reserve every right to formally know the progress of the works that are being done by the state,” the letter read, urging for transparency.

They also noted that it had been 23 days since their last meeting with the government, during which no promised security audit had been conducted. The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front demanded an immediate update, stating, “We request you to provide us a status report of the works undertaken by yourselves and also the security audit undertaken by you (as stated by yourself) immediately.”

As Dr. Mahato’s health worsens and tensions rise, the doctors’ demands for timely government action and accountability remain pressing issues in this ongoing protest.

Kolkata Rape and Murder: WBMC Revokes Medical Registration of RG Kar’s Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh

September 19, 2024, 4:33 pm

The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) on Thursday revoked the medical registration of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a rape-murder case and financial irregularities.

Ghose in CBI custody

Ghosh, currently in CBI custody, has been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC. According to official reports, his license was cancelled under various provisions of the Bengal Medical Act, of 1914.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal chapter had earlier urged the WBMC to cancel Ghosh’s registration. The WBMC had issued a show-cause notice to Ghosh on September 7, asking him to explain within three days why his registration should not be revoked. Ghosh, in CBI custody, did not respond to the notice.

Ghosh was arrested on September 2, along with police officer Abhijit Mondal, for allegedly tampering with evidence related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The CBI’s remand note revealed that both Ghosh and Mondal facilitated the hurried cremation of the doctor’s body, despite the family’s request for a second autopsy.

In a letter to WBMC president and TMC MLA Sudipto Roy, the IMA questioned why Ghosh’s registration had not yet been revoked and called for Roy to act swiftly, setting aside any personal ties with Ghosh.

Ghosh and Mondal were also accused of delaying the filing of the First Information Report (FIR). The CBI noted that Ghosh was “willfully absent” from the crime scene when the doctor’s semi-nude body was discovered in a seminar room at the hospital.

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested as the sole accused in the rape murder shortly after the incident.

Beyond the Bengal Rape: Examining the Perilous Reality of India’s Doctors

August 31, 2024, 2:42 am

A 31-year-old female trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College retired to sleep in a seminar hall after a gruelling shift in the early hours of a Friday morning. It was the last time she was seen alive.
The following morning, her colleagues made a horrifying discovery: her half-naked body on the podium, bearing extensive injuries. Police later arrested a hospital volunteer worker in connection with what they describe as a case of rape and murder at the 138-year-old institution.
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about the safety of healthcare workers in India, particularly women. As enraged doctors across the country went on strike demanding better protection, the case has exposed the deep-rooted vulnerabilities plaguing the medical profession.

A System Under Strain
At RG Kar Hospital, which sees over 3,500 patients daily, overworked trainee doctors—some working up to 36 hours straight—had no designated restrooms. This forced them to seek rest in a third-floor seminar room, a situation that proved fatal for the young doctor.
Hospital doctors’ experiences highlight female doctors’ grim reality in India’s government hospitals. There are no designated restrooms or separate toilets for female doctors. Some of them might even sleep in an empty patient bed in the ward or a cramped waiting room with a bed and basin.
In a twist of bitter irony, those dedicated to saving lives find themselves fighting for their own safety in the very institutions meant to heal.
Women in Medicine: Progress and Peril
The face of Indian medicine, as claimed by the might of Government Statistics, is changing rapidly.
The National Medical Commission’s 2023 data shows women now make up 42% of registered medical practitioners, up from 35% in 2019. In nursing, women comprise nearly 90% of the workforce, according to the Indian Nursing Council’s latest report.
However, this progress is eclipsed by escalating safety concerns.
The National Crime Records Bureau’s 2023 report indicates a 7.6% increase in crimes against women in healthcare, with 25% involving severe violence, including sexual assault.
Recent incidents highlight this alarming trend. In March 2023, Dr. Priya Mishra, a Delhi hospital resident, was assaulted by a deceased patient’s relatives, suffering a fractured arm and facial injuries. In November, Dr. Sanjana Patil, a Pune gynecologist, endured a six-hour hostage situation by a disgruntled patient’s family.
These aren’t isolated cases. An Indian Medical Association survey in early 2024 revealed that 68% of female doctors experienced workplace violence or harassment in the past year, with 30% feeling unsafe during night shifts. In a cruel twist of fate, as women break glass ceilings in medicine, they find themselves trapped in hospitals of horrors – healing others while their own safety hangs by a thread.
One can’t help but wonder: in a profession dedicated to preserving life, why are we failing to safeguard the lives of those who serve it? And what does this say about our society’s true valuation of women’s contributions to healthcare?

A Culture of Fear for Women in India
The RG Kar Medical College incident epitomizes a pervasive culture of fear among women in India’s professional landscape, particularly in healthcare. Female doctors navigate a minefield of threats daily – from poorly lit hospital corridors to confrontations with aggressive patients.
Many resort to extreme safety measures, even bringing family members to overnight shifts.
In rural areas, the situation is dire. Female doctors in remote health centres face isolation and vulnerability, influencing career choices and exacerbating the rural healthcare divide. This fear reflects broader societal issues, persisting despite laws like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013. The National Commission for Women reports a steady rise in workplace harassment complaints, with healthcare prominently featured.

A System in Need of Reform
India’s healthcare system suffers from systemic failures at multiple levels. The absence of a comprehensive federal law protecting healthcare workers and ineffective state legislation leaves medical professionals vulnerable. Healthcare’s status as a state subject under the Indian Constitution results in fragmented policies and implementation across the country.
Political factors complicate matters further. The government’s 2022 directive for enhanced hospital security remains unimplemented mainly due to budget constraints and a lack of political will. The intersection of gender politics and healthcare policy adds another layer of complexity, with women’s concerns often sidelined in policy discussions.

Urgent reforms needed include:
1. Robust federal legislation for healthcare worker protection
2. Mandatory safety audits and infrastructure upgrades in healthcare facilities
3. Integration of violence prevention acts in medical education
4. Fast-track courts for cases against healthcare workers
5. Increased healthcare spending, particularly on safety measures
6. A national database tracking incidents of violence against medical professionals
The medical community’s outcry following the Kolkata incident presents a critical juncture for political leadership to move beyond rhetoric. The health of India’s healthcare system – and its population – depends on creating a fear-free environment for those who heal.
Shruti Kaushik is a Branding Expert, Author, Startup Evangelist, Investor.

Kolkata Rape Case: IMA Revokes Membership of Sandip Ghosh, Former RG Kar Hospital Principal

August 28, 2024, 7:05 pm

There is a new development related to the ongoing Kolkata rape and murder investigation, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended the membership of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision was made by the IMA’s disciplinary committee, led by National President Dr. RV Asokan, in response to the serious allegations surrounding Dr. Ghosh.

The IMA’s official statement revealed that the committee’s action followed an extensive review of the rape and murder of a postgraduate resident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. “The undersigned along with the National President had also visited the parents of the victim in their home,” the statement noted. It added that the grievances voiced by the victim’s family regarding Dr. Ghosh’s handling of the situation, including perceived lack of empathy and sensitivity, were significant factors in the decision.

Calls for Action and Ongoing Probe

The suspension follows mounting pressure from the IMA Bengal state branch and various doctor associations, which had called for disciplinary measures against Dr. Ghosh. They cited the disrepute brought to the medical profession by his alleged actions. The IMA committee unanimously agreed to suspend Dr. Ghosh’s membership, emphasizing the gravity of the case and the need to uphold professional standards.

This disciplinary action comes as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its probe into the case. The agency recently conducted a polygraph test on Dr. Ghosh and executed raids at multiple locations linked to him as part of a corruption investigation.

IMA’s Response and Nationwide Strike

In response to the case, the IMA had also visited the victim’s family and expressed shock at their condition. The association launched a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the rape and murder case and has communicated its concerns and demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through an official letter.

The IMA’s actions underscore the seriousness with which it views the allegations and the association’s commitment to addressing issues that impact the integrity of the medical profession.

Kolkata Rape-Murder highlights Lack of Strict Implementation

August 28, 2024, 3:02 am

“Silence gendered violence is woven intricately into the Indian social group; it is only fair to implement social awareness campaigns to assist raise awareness at the grass-root level.” When a criminal offence is committed it is wrong against humanity at large. Every crime against an individual demonstrates the state’s failure to recognize, protect and fulfill its citizen’s human rights. Among one such crime is “Rape”. It is a deep-entrenched social blight. Rape is considered to be, one of the foremost flagitious crimes towards the individual and its individuality.

The brutal rape and murder of a Post-Graduate Trainee Doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College has once again highlighted issues surrounding violence against women, the role of the legal system, and societal attitudes. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s repeated assertions that West Bengal is the safest state for women, this horrific crime exposes the administration’s blatant incompetence and disregard for women’s safety. Mamata Banerjee’s political rhetoric is meaningless when women in Kolkata continue to live in fear, exposed to violence and exploitation. The state’s safety measures are a cruel joke, fostering a culture of impunity where criminals walk free and victims suffer in silence. Enough with the empty promises—what Bengal needs is real action. The state government must overhaul its approach to women’s safety, from enforcing stringent law enforcement to providing a robust support system for victims.

This tragedy cannot become another statistic in India’s grim record of gender-based violence. The public demands justice, not just for this victim, but for a safer future for all women. The question remains: will the government act decisively, or will it continue to fail its people? The clock is ticking.

Crimes of this brutality—especially those involving rape—are not isolated incidents in India. In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported an average of 90 rapes per day. However, authorities acknowledge that the actual number could be much higher, as many rapes go unreported due to societal taboos. Unofficial estimates suggest that over 100 rapes occur daily in India, with a staggering 80% of them classified as brutal. Despite the shocking frequency of such attacks, society and the state have failed to address the root causes effectively.

The 1973 case of Aruna Shanbaug was a grim precursor to today’s epidemic of violence against women. After being raped and left for dead by a ward boy, she remained in a coma for 43 years, lovingly cared for by her colleagues. Her assailant, however, served only seven years in jail. Aruna’s case remained in the media spotlight for decades, yet no sweeping reforms were made to improve the safety of female medical staff. Hospitals like RG Kar Medical College continue to lack basic security protocols, leaving women vulnerable to heinous acts of violence.

Despite the public outcry that followed Aruna’s case, and the more recent protests in Kolkata, most state-run hospitals have not implemented adequate safety measures. The issue of relying on “civic volunteers” instead of trained security personnel has long been a problem in government-run hospitals. These volunteers are often paid meager wages and supplement their income through unofficial means. Many have political affiliations, which give them a degree of immunity from disciplinary action.

Nirbhaya Case Led to Major Reforms
After the equally brutal rape and fatal assault of a 22-year-old physiotherapy intern (called Nirbhaya to conceal her name as mandated by law) that occurred on December 16, 2012, in New Delhi, there were calls for reform in existing laws to deal with such a heinous crime. It did lead to changes in the law but after twelve years, the conclusion remains that the law changed, but much remained the same. Following the Nirbhaya case, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government constituted a committee headed by Justice JS Verma, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law to ensure quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women.

The committee made some pathbreaking recommendations, some of them were accepted and some were rejected. Considering the committee’s recommendations ‘The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act 2013’ was enacted for effective deterrence against sexual offences. The major changes in the law dealing with sexual offences included expanding the ambit of rape by incorporating new offences such as stalking, acid attacks, and voyeurism into its definition. The mere threat of rape was recognized as a criminal act, subjecting the perpetrator to legal action.

Some of the major changes that the 2013 amendment brought were: Section 166A was inserted after the amendment to make the authorities, like public servants or hospital authorities, liable if they failed to discharge their duties against the victims of the crime.
The newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 which has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in its section 199 says “Whoever, being a public servant fails to record any information given to him under sub-section (1) of section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in relation to a cognizable offence punishable under section 64, section 65, section 66, section 67, section 68, section 70, section 71, section 74, section 76, section 77, section 79, section 124, section 143 or section 144 shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

Loopholes in Existing Legislation
The criminal justice system in India is plagued by delays, resulting in prolonged trials. Despite the establishment of fast-track courts post-Nirbhaya, the pace of justice remains sluggish. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the conviction rate for rape cases in India is dismally low. This delay and uncertainty in delivering justice emboldens perpetrators and deters victims from coming forward Secondly, Laws are only as effective as their implementation. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, introduced several provisions to deter sexual violence, including the death penalty for repeat offenders. However, the enforcement of these laws is often inconsistent. Police apathy, lack of sensitivity, and corruption further hinder effective implementation. Thirdly, while legal provisions exist to protect and support victims of sexual violence, the actual support system is often lacking. Victims frequently face societal stigma, lack of proper medical and psychological support, and inadequate witness protection programs. This systemic failure discourages many from reporting crimes. Fourthly, deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and victim-blaming culture continue to persist in Indian society. These attitudes not only perpetuate violence against women but also create an environment where victims are discouraged from seeking justice.

Proposals for Stringent Measures and Enhanced Safety
Strengthening Fast-Track Courts: Fast-track courts should be empowered and adequately staffed to ensure speedy trials and timely justice. Cases of sexual violence should be prioritized to deliver swift justice. Measures should be taken to improve the quality of investigation and evidence collection. Police training programs should emphasize forensic evidence collection, victim support, and sensitivity. Regular audits of police stations and judicial processes should be conducted to ensure compliance with laws. Non-compliance should result in stringent penalties for the responsible authorities. Establishing accountability mechanisms for law enforcement agencies to ensure they are fulfilling their duties in investigating and prosecuting sexual violence cases. The Government and Civic Society should establish a robust support system, including free legal aid, medical care, and psychological counselling for victims of sexual violence. The Government should create a Witness Protection Programs, where in strengthening witness protection programs will ensure the safety and security of victims and witnesses during the trial process. The Civic Society including the NGOs should create a nationwide education and awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes towards sexual violence and promote gender equality and encourage community involvement in supporting victims and creating safe environments for women through local initiatives and watchdog committees. The use of safety apps and 24/7 helplines for women in distress would help. These technologies should be integrated with law enforcement agencies for prompt response. Installing surveillance cameras in high-risk areas and ensuring adequate street lighting to deter potential offenders.

The writer is an Associate Professor in Seedling School of Law and Governance, Jaipur National University, Jaipur.

Crowd Seen at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital Seminar Room; TMC MP Demands Answers : Watch

August 27, 2024, 10:43 am

In the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, BJP IT cell head and West Bengal in-charge Amit Malviya shared a video showing a crowd at the seminar room on the fourth floor of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered. Malviya claimed the crime scene had been “completely destroyed” due to the presence of doctors, policemen, hospital staff, and outsiders. He referenced solicitor general Tushar Mehta’s statement to the Supreme Court, which mentioned that the crime scene had been tampered with, complicating the investigation.

Amit Malviya expressed concerns about the West Bengal government, questioning their efforts to conceal the crime. He also pointed out discrepancies in statements made by the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. Malviya highlighted solicitor general Mehta’s comments to the Supreme Court’s special bench, where he noted that the “place of occurrence” (PO) had been altered.

In response, the Kolkata Police clarified that the viral video showed a gathering outside the cordoned-off area where the victim’s body was found. They insisted that the crime scene was secured, with curtains blocking access to the specific area where the incident took place.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy demanded answers about the people seen in the viral video. He questioned their presence in the seminar hall after the crime, asking if they had been interrogated by either Kolkata Police or the CBI. Roy emphasized the importance of accountability in a democratic society.

Shocking footage from Seminar Room of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, soon after the lifeless body of the raped and murdered PGT lady doctor was found.

The crime scene was completely destroyed with so many doctors, policemen, hospital staff and OUTSIDERS in the Place of… pic.twitter.com/M2iaePpAOc

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 26, 2024

The 31-year-old female trainee doctor’s body was found in a semi-naked state on August 9, in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College. The main accused, Sanjay Roy, was arrested after being identified on CCTV footage entering the building near the time of the crime, with his Bluetooth headphones found at the scene. Investigations revealed that Roy had physically assaulted and sexually violated the doctor before killing her by smothering and strangling.

The CBI took over the investigation last week and conducted polygraph tests on Sanjay Roy, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, four doctors, and a civic volunteer. The Calcutta High Court has instructed the CBI to submit a progress report on the investigation by September 17.

People Will Immerse Mamata into River Ganga: BJP minister amid Kolkata rape-murder protest

August 25, 2024, 9:23 pm

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that the people of the state will eventually “immerse her into the River Ganga” due to her government’s handling of the recent Kolkata rape and murder case.

In an interaction with ANI, Majumdar said, “The government is afraid of the student-led protests and is trying to suppress the people’s voice. However, the student community in West Bengal has awakened. The people of the state will uproot Mamata Banerjee from power and immerse her into the Ganga.”

The minister emphasized that the BJP would continue its agitation until justice is achieved for the victim. “Today marks the last day of this protest, but it is not the end of our movement. There will be more demonstrations in the future. I will announce the next phase of our program today at 4 PM. The BJP will remain on the streets until justice is served,” Majumdar added.

Earlier in the day, Majumdar and BJP supporters staged a protest at Shyambazar against the incident.

Meanwhile, Parimal Dey, a teacher from Alipurduar who was honored with the Banga Ratna award by Mamata Banerjee in 2019, has decided to return the award in protest. Dey told ANI, “I have decided to return the Banga Ratna award. Seeing the protests across Bengal and beyond, I felt compelled to do so. The way Mamata Banerjee is running the administration is unacceptable.”

Additionally, the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum held a demonstration in Tollygunge, demanding justice for the victim and accountability from the Kolkata administration.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also conducted raids at several locations linked to former RG Kar Medical College principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh and his relatives as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption at the medical institution. The CBI initiated its probe following a Calcutta High Court directive.

The Calcutta High Court has granted the CBI three weeks to submit a progress report on the investigation, which is due on September 17.

The case involves the tragic death of a trainee doctor, who was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Supreme Court has since ordered the security of the hospital to be handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

A Special Law to make Hospitals safer for the Medics

August 21, 2024, 3:49 am

The rape and murder of the young doctor at the Kolkatta based RG Kar Medical College has stunned the entire nation. Cutting across demographics, genders and professions, the country has risen in one voice and taken to the streets demanding swift action against the perpetrators of this heinous act. If there is any quibbling it is amongst the political class that is indulging in the usual blame game but even then the ruling TMC government of West Bengal stands isolated as its allies from the INDIA bloc have also condemned both the act as well as the state government’s response. The Congress, which lost the UPA government partly because of the gruesome 2010 gangrape and murder of a young girl in the capital on its watch, has been one of the first to demand swift action against the guilty.

Politics (and politicians) aside, the medical community has also risen in protest demanding swift justice as well as the enactment of a special law to ensure safety and security for the medical community as a whole. As many as 72 Padma Shri awardees have penned a letter to the Prime Minister asking for the same. The letter asks for a quick promulgation of a separate law to deal with violence, both physical and verbal, against doctors, medical professionals and medical institutions. Ironically the Prevention of Violence against Doctors, Medical Professionals and Medical Institutions bill was drafted in 2019 but it never made it to the parliament. During Covid however, the Centre had promulgated an ordinance to the Epidemic Diseases Act making violence against the medical professionals non bailable and punishable with a fine of Rs 5 lakh. The doctors would now want the government to take the next step and pass the bill specific to their safety.

Doctors are often at the receiving end of both verbal and physical abuse at the hands of irate patients who are faced with medical emergencies. But short staffing and long shifts have their own ask on the medical community. In addition, as one of the signatories, Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & MD Mahajan Imaging points out, if we cannot make our workplaces safe, how many parents would want their children to join the medical profession?

These are crucial issues that need to be dealt with for the medical professionals are one of the pillars of our community. As an initial response the government has reached out to some public hospitals such as the AIIMS in Delhi, with a promise to set up more CCTV cameras at strategic locations, enhanced security staff and stricter monitoring of entry and exit points. But it goes without saying that a lot more needs to be done.

MP tightens security in hospitals and medical colleges with CCTV surveillance after Kolkata incident

August 20, 2024, 10:13 pm

In response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Madhya Pradesh government has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all state-run medical colleges and hospitals. The decision aims to bolster security, particularly in sensitive areas such as gynecology wards where there is a higher presence of women.

Deputy Chief Minister and Public Health and Medical Education Minister, Rajendra Shukla, emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance, stating, “The incident in West Bengal has shaken everyone. We must act with greater sensitivity toward the safety of our doctors and patients. Therefore, instructions have been given to ensure that all medical colleges and hospitals are equipped with CCTV surveillance, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic and vulnerable populations. This will help in quickly identifying and apprehending those involved in criminal activities.”

The Madhya Pradesh government is committed to enhancing security, with a focus on creating a safe environment for female students, Shukla noted. Tightened security measures are being implemented across the state’s medical facilities to address safety concerns.

Regarding nighttime inspections, Shukla explained that deans and superintendents have been instructed to remain vigilant, maintaining constant oversight. Additional manpower will be allocated to institutions that are currently understaffed to ensure security measures are fully enforced. These efforts will extend to government hospitals as well.

On August 14, the Director of Medical Education issued specific guidelines to the deans of all medical colleges, which are to be implemented immediately. The guidelines call for CCTV cameras, adequate lighting, and security personnel in high-risk areas such as parking lots, basements, rooftops, and staircases. Strict control will also be imposed at entry and exit points to prevent the entry of unauthorized individuals.

Security personnel will conduct continuous patrols to monitor for any suspicious activities. Deans and superintendents are also required to perform night rounds to ensure campus security. Hospitals have been instructed to collaborate with local police for continuous monitoring and patrols. If a police post is located on campus, they are expected to actively contribute to ensuring security.

Furthermore, to minimize congestion in hospitals, only one attendant per patient will be allowed after 6 PM, with strict access control at hospital entrances and wards. These measures are intended to protect both patients and staff while maintaining order within medical facilities.

SC overturns Calcutta HC’s directive for adolescent girls to ‘control sexual urges’

August 20, 2024, 5:54 pm

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India overturned a controversial Calcutta High Court judgment that had advised adolescent girls to “control their sexual urges” and acquitted a man accused of raping a minor with whom he later married. The apex court, led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, reinstated the man’s conviction, criticizing the High Court’s earlier decision.

The Calcutta High Court’s judgment had been widely criticized for its implications. The High Court had acquitted the man based on the premise that the minor girl was involved in a ‘romantic affair’ with him. The High Court’s ruling suggested that adolescent girls should manage their sexual urges rather than succumb to them, labeling such urges as controllable and advising against engaging in sexual activity.

The Supreme Court took issue with this reasoning, labeling it as “problematic” and “highly objectionable.” Justices Oka and Bhuyan noted that the High Court’s observations were not only inappropriate but also lacked judicial objectivity. The Court had earlier remarked that such judgments should not include personal views or moral preaching from the bench.

In response, the Supreme Court issued new guidelines for judges handling cases involving adolescents, aiming to prevent similar issues in the future. The detailed judgment is yet to be published, but the Court’s criticism was directed at the High Court’s approach, which conflated consensual acts among adolescents with sexual abuse and suggested decriminalizing consensual sexual activities involving adolescents over 16.

The High Court had argued that adolescent sexual urges are influenced by external actions and proposed a duty-based approach. It suggested that adolescent girls and boys should take responsibility for controlling their sexual urges to avoid becoming victims or perpetrators of sexual misconduct. For girls, it suggested protecting their bodily integrity and dignity by controlling their sexual desires to prevent societal judgment.

The Supreme Court’s intervention corrects this perspective, reinforcing the principle that sexual violence is never justified, regardless of the victim’s age or circumstances. By reinstating the conviction, the Supreme Court underscored that legal standards must uphold the rights and protection of minors unequivocally, without imposing moral judgments or suggesting that victims share responsibility for the crimes committed against them.

Senior advocate Madhavi Divan was appointed as amicus curiae to assist in the case, alongside advocate Liz Mathew. Their role was crucial in navigating the complexities of the case and ensuring that the legal principles were appropriately applied.

The Supreme Court’s decision not only reaffirms the conviction but also sets a precedent for handling similar cases with greater sensitivity and adherence to established legal standards.

Bengal Women To Hit Streets To ‘Reclaim The Night’

August 15, 2024, 2:06 am

At the stroke of the midnight hour, Calcutta’s women plan to awaken to life and freedom. Their war cry – safety, justice and equality. Tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, women across Calcutta and various districts will occupy the streets to protest against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protests will take place at over 45 locations, beginning late Wednesday night and continue until 5 a.m. on Independence Day.

A social media campaign titled, ‘Women, Reclaim the Night: The Night is Ours’ aims at seeking justice for the doctor’s rape and murder. The campaign was launched following Dr Sandip Ghosh’s resignation from the principal’s post in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Criticism surfaced on social media where netizens slammed Ghosh for first blaming the victim for “roaming in the night” and then saying she was like her daughter.

Under this campaign, protests will kick off from several key junctions of the city, including Jadavpur, Academy of Fine Arts, Shyambazar and also the districts. Among those who have pledged support for the campaign includes Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray. Taking to his X handle, Ray said: “I am going to join the protesters particularly because I’ve a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may.”

Ray also added: “Gangrape and merciless murder happened in RG Kar Hospital. Who are they? Now the CBI are there to investigate. Well. I’ve no faith in CBI. They are nincompoops. Yet the truth is to be unravelled. Why are there attempts to shield the beasts? Whosoever is responsible for the crime must be hanged.” Authorities of Kolkata Metro have confirmed that a pair of additional metro services will be made available to ease movement late at night.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers stepped up their probe while the Joint Doctors’ Forum, has decided to continue its stir and has refused to join duties unless their demands of security and a transparent probe process are not met.
A team of CBI officers, which included medical and forensic experts reached the city early today and took charge of the probe after Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case. The court had instructed the Kolkata Police to transfer the case to the central agency by 10 am today. Two CBI officers had reached the Tallah police station late last night and conducted an initial investigation into the case.

Kolkata Doctor Murder Case: Bluetooth Device Led To Arrest Of Accused

August 11, 2024, 10:24 am

A civic volunteer has been apprehended in connection with the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the facility.

The accused, identified as Sanjoy Roy, was linked to the crime through several pieces of evidence, including a Bluetooth headphone left at the scene and CCTV footage. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal confirmed that signs of sexual assault were evident, according to the post-mortem report. Despite multiple inquiries, Goyal did not disclose Roy’s occupation, stating that the focus should be on the severity of the crime rather than the accused’s profession.

The police have gathered additional physical evidence from the crime scene. A special investigation team (SIT) and a forensics team have been assembled to probe the case. This team is led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Detective Department and is overseen by an Additional Commissioner of Police.

In response to the incident, students at the hospital have expressed concerns over their safety, leading to demonstrations by BJP activists. The BJP has criticized the current police investigation and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure justice. Conversely, the ruling Trinamool Congress has urged against politicizing the issue and supported calls for expedited trials in severe cases.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled the incident as “unfortunate and despicable,” expressing support for the victim’s family and committing to a fast-track court process. Although she typically opposes capital punishment, Banerjee stated that the accused would face the strictest possible penalty. She also expressed openness to a central agency investigation, affirming that her administration has “nothing to hide.”