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Kolkata Rape Murder: SC Grants NTF Three Weeks to Submit Recommendations on Doctors’ Safety

October 15, 2024, 8:05 pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the National Task Force (NTF) three weeks to submit its recommendations on ensuring safe working conditions for medical professionals. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed concern over the lack of progress by the NTF, noting that no meetings had taken place since the first week of September.

The court directed the Centre to take proactive steps to ensure the NTF completes its work on time, urging that future meetings be held regularly. The NTF and its subgroups were instructed to submit tentative recommendations by the next hearing. The case was adjourned until after the Diwali vacation.

Background: RG Kar Medical College Case

The court was hearing a suo motu petition related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, on August 9, 2024. The doctor, who was on a 36-hour duty shift, was found murdered and allegedly raped in the hospital’s seminar room. In response, the court had established the NTF on August 20, 2024, to develop an action plan to prevent violence against medical professionals and improve working conditions.

Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi informed the court that the West Bengal government had filed an affidavit assuring the court that security upgrades at RG Kar Medical College would be completed by October 31. The state government also committed to finalizing security improvements at all 28 medical colleges in West Bengal by October 25.

Additionally, the state had set up a state-level grievance redressal committee to conduct security audits and deployed additional security personnel in hospitals. The Supreme Court also asked the West Bengal government to provide details about the recruitment of civic police volunteers and the measures taken to prevent their deployment in sensitive institutions.

CBI Updates on Investigations

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta updated the court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet against Sanjoy Roy, the accused in the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College, and that the relevant court had taken cognisance of the chargesheet.

The CBI also reported on its ongoing investigation into financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College. The Supreme Court allowed both investigations to continue and requested further status reports from the CBI within three weeks.

Kolkata Rape-Murder: Mass Resignation of Senior Doctors at RG Kar Hospital in Solidarity with Junior Doctors

October 8, 2024, 4:09 pm

In a significant show of solidarity, 50 senior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have resigned to support the ongoing protest by junior doctors. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor, which has intensified demands for better working conditions and safety measures within the institution.

Junior Doctors’ Demands and Ongoing Hunger Strike

The junior doctors have been on hunger strike since Saturday, advocating for justice for their colleague and addressing issues related to campus safety and hospital management. Their key demands include:

Establishment of a centralized referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state
Implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system
Formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions, including CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces
Increased police protection in hospitals
Recruitment of permanent women police personnel
Swift filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers

The mass resignation was prompted by a lack of response from authorities to address these pressing concerns. Earlier, around 15 senior doctors had joined their junior counterparts in a symbolic hunger strike.

Government Response and Context

The protests come during the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, which have been overshadowed by the recent incident. West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated that 90% of ongoing projects at medical colleges would be completed by next month and urged the protesting doctors to return to work. “I am requesting everyone to come back to work and give services to the people,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for medical professionals.

The agitation was reignited following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9 while she was on duty. The case is under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has charged a former contractual staff member of the Kolkata Police with the crime. After a previous 42-day protest ended on September 21, junior doctors renewed their demands with a total cease work on October 1, following an attack on medics at another hospital.

As tensions rise, the future of medical services at RG Kar Hospital hangs in the balance, with the potential for further escalation in protests if their demands remain unmet.

Kolkata Rape-Murder : 23 Dead Due to Doctors’ Strike, Bengal Lawyer Tells SC

September 9, 2024, 1:06 pm

23 Deaths Reported Due to Ongoing Doctors’ Strike

On Monday, senior advocate Kapil Sibal reported to the Supreme Court that the ongoing doctors’ strike in Kolkata, which followed the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in August, has resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals. Sibal, who represents West Bengal, noted that the state government has submitted a status report on the investigation into the tragic incident.

Supreme Court Reviews Investigation Status

While the state government has provided the report, the solicitor general stated he had not yet received it. The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, examined the report, which was submitted under seal.

Centre Seeks Action Over Security Issues

The Centre has urged the Supreme Court to address the West Bengal government’s alleged failure to support the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Union home ministry’s application highlighted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s perceived lack of cooperation and requested that state authorities be directed to fully support the CISF.

Junior Doctors’ Strike and Investigation Progress

Junior doctors have been on strike since August 9, demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered. The Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Nearly a month into the CBI’s investigation, only one arrest has been made—Sanjay Roy.

Challenges in the CBI Investigation

A CBI official revealed that the probe has faced difficulties due to missing evidence from the crime scene, complicating efforts to connect critical elements of the case and slowing progress. Additionally, it was disclosed that Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, ordered the demolition of a restroom and toilet near the seminar room on August 10, the day after the body was discovered.

Kolkata Rape-Murder: Colleagues Share Details Of Victim’s Final Hours

September 8, 2024, 11:53 am

Colleagues of the Kolkata doctor who was tragically raped and murdered inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have shed light on her grueling schedule in the hours leading up to her death. Known for her punctuality and dedication, the victim had been commuting from her home on the outskirts of Kolkata for the past year, although she previously stayed in a hostel.

On August 8, she arrived at the hospital’s OPD at 10 am and was assigned to unit 2A, where she admitted six patients, according to a TOI report. After 3 pm, she had lunch in the sleeping room, where staff usually ate. “She came in after 3 pm and had her food in the sleeping room next door where we usually eat. She was a little reserved but very focused,” a colleague shared with the newspaper. He added that he left the hospital at 4:30 pm, instructing her to call if any patient’s condition worsened. “The call never came, and the next morning I learned of her gruesome death,” he said.

Another junior colleague recalled encountering her in the corridor just hours before the crime. “Didi was dashing to the ward when I bumped into her in the corridor. We exchanged pleasantries, and she said she had a lot of work in the ward,” the trainee doctor remembered.

At midnight, after having dinner, she took a round of the ward. Following 16 hours of work, she retired to the seminar hall at 2 am. The next morning, she was found dead in the hospital.

The police arrested a Kolkata police civil volunteer named Sanjay Roy for the crime. CCTV footage captured Roy entering the seminar hall at 4:03 am, and his Bluetooth headset was discovered at the scene. During a polygraph test, Roy claimed he found the woman already injured and unconscious when he entered the seminar hall. However, the CBI believes he is attempting to mislead investigators. The agency informed the court that the woman was not gang-raped but was allegedly raped and killed by Sanjay Roy.

Kolkata Rape-Murder: Mamata Calls for PM Modi and Amit Shah’s Resignation

September 3, 2024, 6:12 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again found herself at the forefront of a fierce political battle, demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the chief ministers of states where recent incidents of rape and sexual abuse have occurred. She accused these leaders of failing to enforce effective legislation to protect women.

CM Mamata Banerjee Supports West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2024

During a recent session, CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her strong support for the West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2024. She emphasised that this bill is designed to protect the dignity of women and warned that any abuse in Bengal would have far-reaching consequences across the nation.

“I wrote two letters to the Prime Minister, but received no response. Instead, the Minister of Women and Child Development replied, and I responded to her as well. I also informed the Prime Minister of my concerns,” Banerjee stated. She criticised the rapid passage of the Code of Justice Bill before the elections, noting that the states were not consulted and the bill was passed without thorough discussions in the Rajya Sabha and with opposition parties.

Banerjee argued that the new bill was necessary to fill the gaps left by the central government’s legislation. “If Bengal is ill-treated, it will have a spillover effect,” she asserted.

Banerjee also addressed the way she and her party have been treated, questioning the appropriateness of such treatment. “If the TMC were to speak about the Prime Minister and the Union Health Minister in the same manner, would that be right?” she asked rhetorically.

Filling Legislative Gaps: A Response to Central Government’s Shortcomings

The West Bengal CM did not hold back in her critique of the central government, particularly regarding the treatment of rape convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. “The rapists were garlanded,” she said, drawing a stark comparison between the ruling BJP and the CPM, accusing them of competing in poor governance. Banerjee pointed out that during CPM rule, there were no dedicated women police stations.

She reiterated that Kolkata remains safer compared to other cities and took the opportunity to express her gratitude to her supporters. “Every day, I will fight to protect the rights of girls,” Banerjee vowed, drawing a parallel to historical struggles for women’s rights.

Also read: French Woman ‘Drugged’ And ‘Raped’ By 72 Men: ‘Shame Must Change Sides’

Banerjee highlighted the significance of this day, recalling the establishment of the United Nations committee for the ‘Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women’ in 1981, which was aimed at protecting women’s rights.

The Chief Minister also extended her condolences to the family of the victim in the recent rape-murder case, expressing her grief and calling for severe punishment for the perpetrators. “I expect everyone in civil society to support this bill unanimously,” she said, underscoring the importance of collective action. “A society where women are not safe can never progress,” Banerjee concluded.

Kolkata Rape-Murder: CBI Considers Polygraph Test for Ex-Hospital Principal Over Discrepancies in Statements

August 21, 2024, 11:11 am

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is considering a polygraph test for Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, due to inconsistencies in his responses during questioning, according to a CBI official. The investigation follows the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in the hospital’s seminar room earlier this month. She had gone to the room to rest during a 36-hour shift.

The Kolkata police arrested a civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, after his Bluetooth headphones were found near the victim’s body. Dr. Ghosh, who resigned two days after the crime, has been under CBI interrogation as they explore the possibility of a conspiracy behind the murder.

Reports indicate that the CBI questioned Ghosh about his initial reaction upon learning of the murder and why he delayed handing over the body to the victim’s parents for three hours. The agency is also probing whom Ghosh contacted after receiving news of the murder and his authorization of renovations in rooms adjacent to the seminar hall where the body was found.

The CBI has already obtained court permission to subject Sanjoy Roy to a polygraph test. Dr. Ghosh’s interrogation intensified after the Calcutta High Court noted that he should have been questioned first. The Supreme Court criticized the West Bengal government for delaying the FIR registration and questioned the actions of Ghosh and the hospital administration following the discovery of the murder. The court also pointed out that Ghosh initially tried to portray the murder as a suicide.

Kolkata rape-murder: ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest turns violent

August 15, 2024, 10:02 am

Shortly after midnight on Thursday, unidentified miscreants vandalized portions of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where the body of a female trainee doctor was discovered last week, according to police reports. The incident occurred around 12:40 am amid ongoing protests by junior doctors over the August 9 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor, a case now under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The miscreants, reportedly disguised as protesters, stormed the hospital, damaging property and attacking police officers with brickbats. Several policemen were injured in the chaos. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who arrived at the scene around 2 am, attributed the violence to misleading social media posts and rumors. Police had to deploy tear gas to disperse the approximately 40 individuals involved, who also damaged a police vehicle and several two-wheelers.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee condemned the violence, urging police to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable within 24 hours, irrespective of their political affiliations. In a post on X, Banerjee criticized the hooliganism and emphasized that the demands of the protesting doctors are “fair and justified,” calling for their safety to be prioritized.

BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the TMC of orchestrating the vandalism, alleging that party members, disguised as protesters, were sent by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to disrupt the rally at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The incident follows the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the same hospital. Her semi-naked body was found on August 9 in the seminar hall. A civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, has been arrested in connection with the crime. The Calcutta High Court has since transferred the case from Kolkata Police to the CBI.

In response to the murder, thousands of women across West Bengal took to the streets at midnight on Wednesday, protesting under the banner of the ‘Reclaim the Night’ campaign, which gained momentum on social media. The protests began at 11:55 pm, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, and spread across key locations in small towns and major cities, including prominent landmarks in Kolkata.

During the protests, demonstrators expressed their demands for justice, with chants of “We Want Justice” resonating through the streets. The protests, which saw participation from students, professionals, homemakers, and marginalized communities, were marked by the absence of political party flags, though flags representing marginalized groups, including LGBTQ communities, were prominently displayed.

At New Town’s Biswa Bangla Gate, around 8,000 people gathered with candles and posters, creating a powerful display of solidarity. Similar scenes were witnessed at locations including Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand, College Square, Behala Sakher Bazar, Shyambazar Five Point Crossing, and other areas across West Bengal. Protests also took place in Howrah, where demonstrators disrupted a TMC event, taking over the stage to amplify their call for justice.

These widespread protests underscore the growing public demand for accountability and an end to violence against women in the region.

Kolkata Rape Murder: 151 Mg Semen Found, Gang Rape Indicated By Doctor

August 14, 2024, 3:59 pm

An autopsy report on the tragic death of a 31-year-old doctor, who was raped and murdered at a leading government medical college in Kolkata, has raised disturbing suspicions of gang rape. The post-mortem findings revealed a significant amount of fluid in the victim’s body, indicating that more than one individual may have been involved in the brutal crime, according to reports from two major media outlets on Wednesday.

One of the reports, citing a petition filed by the victim’s parents with the Calcutta High Court, highlighted that the autopsy detected 151 milligrams of semen in the woman’s body. This substantial quantity is believed to point towards the involvement of multiple perpetrators, reinforcing the possibility of gang rape.

Dr. Subarna Goswami, additional general secretary of the All India Federation of Government Doctors’ Association, commented on the findings, stating that the amount of fluid discovered is unlikely to have come from a single individual. This assertion was echoed in a report by India Today, which quoted Dr. Goswami as saying, “The quantity suggests the involvement of more than one person.”

The details from the autopsy have added to the parents’ plea for justice, as they seek a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death. The case has drawn widespread attention, with calls for a rigorous inquiry into the horrific crime and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

National Medical Commission Issues Safety Guidelines for Medical Colleges After Kolkata Tragedy

August 14, 2024, 3:43 pm

The National Medical Commission (NMC), acting on the directives of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, issued an advisory on August 13 mandating safe working environments in all medical colleges and institutions.

This directive follows the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, which sparked nationwide protests demanding improved safety for medical professionals.

The NMC notice highlighted the recent surge in violence against doctors in medical colleges. It directed institutions to establish comprehensive policies ensuring the safety of all staff, including faculty, students, and resident doctors, across the entire campus and hospital premises.

The guidelines emphasize the need for robust security measures in outpatient departments (OPDs), wards, casualty areas, hostels, open spaces, and residential quarters. Adequate lighting in corridors and campus areas is essential for safe movement, while CCTV surveillance should cover sensitive areas.

To bolster security, medical institutions must deploy sufficient male and female security personnel in OPDs, wards, casualty areas, labor rooms, hostels, residential quarters, and open spaces.

The NMC has mandated prompt investigations into any incidents of violence against medical professionals, with mandatory FIR filing and a detailed action report to be submitted within 48 hours.

‘Avoid India’ Travel Influencer Tanya Khanijow Defends Advisory After Kolkata Rape Murder

August 14, 2024, 11:58 am

Indian travel influencer Tanya Khanijow has defended her controversial advisory urging women to “avoid coming to India at all costs.” The advisory, which she posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), was made in the wake of a high-profile rape and murder case in Kolkata that has shocked the nation.

Safety standards for women in India are horrible. My sincere request to all my women friends abroad. Please don’t travel here unless our dear leadership seriously creates a safer environment for women. Please avoid coming to India at all costs! #kolkata #RGKarHospital…

— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) August 12, 2024

In her post, Khanijow highlighted what she perceives as severe safety issues for women in India. “Safety standards for women in India are horrible. My sincere request to all my women friends abroad: Please don’t travel here unless our leadership seriously improves safety for women,” she stated. Her comments sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing her of defaming the country and catering to Western audiences.

The incident in question involved the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which has led to widespread outrage and protests across India. Khanijow’s post was met with accusations that she was painting an unfairly negative picture of India. “You should be ashamed of yourself. The incident happened in a state with a woman chief minister, and you’re condemning the entire country?” one critic wrote.

Tanya Khanijow responded by reaffirming her stance, arguing that such issues are systemic and not isolated incidents. “It’s not just one incident. Speak to any woman, and I bet she has experienced some form of assault. Safety standards are poor and it’s a nationwide issue,” she said.

Despite facing calls for a boycott of her social media channels and even suggestions to leave the country, Tanya Khanijow remained resolute. Supporters of her view argued that the backlash she faced exemplifies the broader issue of how criticism about women’s safety is often met with defensiveness rather than constructive dialogue.

The controversy has added fuel to the ongoing debate about women’s safety in India, with the tragic case in Kolkata further intensifying calls for improved protections and systemic change.

Kolkata rape-murder: Autopsy reveals ‘Genital Torture’ and deep wound

August 13, 2024, 11:55 am

The post-mortem report of the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has revealed that she endured severe “genital torture.” A deep wound in her private parts was attributed to “perverted sexuality” and this brutal torture, according to the four-page report accessed by India Today.

The report further indicates that the victim was throttled before being smothered to death, with her thyroid cartilage broken due to strangulation. The horrific incident occurred between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on August 9.

Additional injuries were noted on her abdomen, lips, fingers, and left leg. The victim’s mouth was covered, and her head was forcibly pressed against a wall or the floor to silence her screams for help. Continuous pressure on her mouth and throat was applied to prevent her from crying out.

The victim was found with bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts. She was discovered dead in the seminar hall of the hospital, where her colleagues said she had gone to rest after having a meal while on night duty. The police have arrested a civic volunteer named Sanjoy Roy in connection with the crime.

Mamata Banerjee Govt Acts On Kolkata Rape-Murder, Transfers Hospital Head

August 11, 2024, 8:58 pm

In response to the shocking rape and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the West Bengal government has transferred the hospital’s superintendent due to alleged lapses in security. The tragic incident, which occurred early on Friday, has sparked widespread protests among junior doctors, postgraduate trainees, and staff across the state.

The protests have led the state health department to cancel all leave for senior doctors to ensure adequate staffing when outpatient services resume on Monday. Medical associations across India, including the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association of India (FORDA), have expressed their support for the protesting doctors, with FORDA calling for a nationwide halt of elective services on Monday.

The Kolkata Police have arrested Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, in connection with the crime. A special investigation team (SIT) is investigating the case, and a final post-mortem report is awaited. Preliminary findings indicate the victim was sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death.

The West Bengal Doctors Forum has requested an impartial inquiry into the incident and called for capital punishment for the accused, alongside improved security for healthcare workers.