After doctor's rape-murder, only 17 women remain at RG Kar
What's the story
The brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has triggered widespread fear, leading to a mass exodus of female doctors from the campus, a report in The Indian Express said. Before the horrifying incident on August 9, approximately 160 junior female doctors resided on campus. Now, only 17 remain in the hostel, a student told the newspaper. However, the remaining nurses continue their duties due to a lack of choices.
Escalating fear
Mob attack exacerbates fear, triggers further departures
The fear among students intensified after a mob attacked the hospital on August 14, leading to more departures. The mob vandalized the demonstration site, vehicles, public property, and hospital facilities including the emergency department and medicine store. They also damaged CCTVs. Following this incident, a significant number of female doctors left the campus. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh revealed that out of nearly 700 resident doctors, only about 30-40 women and 60-70 men remained on campus post-vandalism incident.
Security measures
SC orders CISF deployment at RG Kar Hospital
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court ordered the deployment of around 150 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The force is expected to secure the resident doctors' hostel and other facilities. Additionally, a 10-member task force has been formed by the top court to develop a national protocol ensuring safety and facilities for doctors.
Tragic details
Victim was sexually assaulted before being killed
The body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, was arrested the day after the incident for allegedly assaulting and killing her.
Ongoing investigation
CBI to conduct polygraph test on former principal, four doctors
In latest developments, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has received permission from a city court to conduct a polygraph test on the former principal and four doctors at the hospital. These individuals reportedly had dinner with the victim before her body was discovered the next morning. A polygraph test result is not considered a "confession" and is therefore inadmissible in court. The tests are performed solely to assist investigators in their investigation and obtain leads from the suspect.