On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a strong statement calling for immediate action in the alleged rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate resident doctor in Kolkata. They warned of nationwide protests if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
The IMA expressed deep shock at the murder and condemned the conditions that allowed such a crime to occur on campus. “The entire medical fraternity of India is shocked beyond words at this brutal murder,” the IMA said. “This crime is an index of the anarchy and insecurity prevailing on the campus.”
The body of the young doctor, a trainee in chest medicine, was found in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of R.G. Kar Medical College on Friday morning. The autopsy revealed that she was sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death.
The details of her injuries, including bleeding from her eyes, mouth, private parts, and multiple other wounds, have heightened the demand for swift justice. “There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nails. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips,” the report said.
The IMA’s three key demands are: a thorough and unbiased investigation, a comprehensive inquiry into the conditions that allowed the crime, and urgent measures to improve safety and security for doctors, especially women. They have given authorities 48 hours to make arrests and address these demands, threatening nationwide protests if not met.
Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the assault and murder. A city court has ordered a 14-day police remand for the accused, charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS.
In Kolkata, CPI(M) workers held a rally demanding justice for the victim. CPI(M) West Bengal secretary Md Salim criticized the local authorities, stating, “The city which we used to call ‘City of Joy’ has now become ‘City of Bhay’ (City of Fear). Even a doctor is not safe here. The Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is close to CM Mamata Banerjee… The Police Commissioner of Kolkata was suppressing the case… We demand a judicial inquiry into this matter,” he told ANI.
