Kolkata doctor's murder triggers nationwide protests; college principal resigns | Read Case Timeline
Kolkata doctor murder: The brutal sexual assault and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sent shockwaves across the nation, leading to widespread protests, high-profile resignations, and a grim reminder of the vulnerability faced by women, even in professional spaces. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata police, was arrested following a swift investigation that revealed a series of disturbing details about the crime.
The tragic incident occurred late on Thursday evening when the victim, a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital. The gruesome details of the crime, including the autopsy report, revealed that the doctor had suffered severe injuries, with bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts.
The accused, Sanjoy Roy, who had easy access to the hospital premises due to his role as a civic volunteer, is alleged to have committed the heinous crime. According to reports, after committing the act, Roy returned to his accommodation, washed his clothes the next morning in an attempt to destroy evidence, and slept until late, showing no remorse or concern for his actions.
A significant breakthrough in the investigation came when a pair of Bluetooth headphones left at the crime scene was found by investigators. During the interrogation process, an official attempted to pair the headphones with Roy’s phone, which connected automatically, leading to his arrest.
Further investigation revealed that he was addicted to watching pornographic content, which was found on his cellphone.
In the aftermath of the crime, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has been engulfed in turmoil. Dr Sandip Ghosh, principal of the medical college, resigned amid massive protests by students and faculty members who accused him of mishandling the situation and allegedly making insensitive remarks that were perceived as victim-blaming. Dr Ghosh, however, has strongly denied these allegations, stating that he has been falsely accused and defamed.
Addressing the media, Dr Ghosh expressed his anguish over the situation, stating, "The girl who died was like my daughter. I am also a parent. As a parent, I am resigning." He further added, "I cannot take the humiliation on social media, and political statements are being made in my name. Students are being provoked to ensure my removal, but I have always worked in the interest of the patients and the development of the hospital."
Dr Ghosh, an orthopaedic surgeon by profession, said he had taken significant steps to curb corruption within the hospital during his tenure and that his resignation should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather a stand against the defamation campaign against him.
The superintendent of the hospital, Sanjay Vashisht, has also been removed from his position following the incident.
Nationwide protests and call for justice
The sexual assault and murder of the young doctor have ignited a wave of protests across the country, with medical professionals, students, and activists demanding justice for the victim and stricter measures to ensure the safety of women in workplaces
The victim’s parents, who had purchased a car for their daughter just six months ago to ensure her safety while traveling, are devastated by the loss. They had hoped that the private vehicle would keep her safe from the dangers she might face in public transport, but the tragedy that unfolded within the confines of her workplace has shattered their lives.
The medical fraternity, led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and strict punishment for the accused. Nationwide protests are being held to express solidarity with the victim’s family and justice for the doctor.
- With inputs from agencies
