Kolkata Doctor Rape Case: The National Commission for Women (NCW), in its preliminary investigation report, has highlighted serious lapses in security, infrastructure, and the handling of the investigation surrounding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. According to the NCW’s statement, unexpected renovations at the alleged crime scene could have potentially compromised evidence.
These findings were released after a two-member NCW inquiry committee conducted an investigation into the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
In their statement, the NCW reported that no security guards were present during the incident, and security measures for on-call interns, doctors, and nurses during night shifts were found to be inadequate.
The NCW further revealed that the hospital lacks basic facilities for female doctors and nurses, such as well-maintained washrooms, proper security measures, and adequate lighting. They also noted that the former Principal, who resigned following the incident, has not been fully questioned. The Inquiry Committee is calling for a thorough and swift investigation.
The statement continued, “There is insufficient protection for female interns, nurses, and doctors on duty. The ongoing renovations at the location where the trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered raise concerns about possible evidence tampering.”
Additionally, the NCW emphasized that “The crime scene should have been immediately sealed by the police.”
The trainee doctor, aged 31, was discovered dead, reportedly half-naked, in the seminar hall of Kolkata’s RG Kar College and Hospital on August 9. Autopsy reports and police findings suggest that she was raped and murdered.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a nationwide strike. The 24-hour strike, which began at 6 a.m. today, is a protest with five demands presented to the government. As part of the strike, non-emergency and OPD services will be suspended until August 18.
