Accused washed his clothes after raping, killing Kolkata doctor: Cops
The man accused of raping and murdering a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital allegedly returned home after the crime and slept for a few hours, according to fresh reports. He later attempted to eliminate evidence by washing his clothes. However, the police discovered bloodstains on his shoe. The suspect, who works as a civic volunteer, is not professionally connected to the hospital but was known to frequently visit the premises.
Trainee doctor raped, murdered in hospital premises
The body of the woman, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was discovered in a seminar hall at the hospital on Friday morning. Her colleagues said she had gone there to rest after having her meal. The rape and murder occurred between 3:00am and 6:00am. The suspect was arrested the next day. Protests by junior doctors demanding quick punishment for those involved continued for three days, causing disruptions in government hospitals across West Bengal.
Police Commissioner assures transparent investigation
City Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal visited the medical establishment twice in three days and held meetings with representatives of the protesting junior doctors. He claimed the probe is "transparent" and urged people not to spread rumours. Talking to news agency PTI, Goyal said, "After committing the crime, the accused went back to...where he was staying and slept till late on Friday morning. After waking up, he washed the clothes he was wearing during the crime to destroy evidence."
Autopsy report reveals victim's injuries
The initial autopsy report revealed that the victim had injuries on her left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips and was bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts. Circumstantial evidence suggested that she might have been murdered before being raped. Police officers from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) collected samples from the seminar hall of the hospital alongside a forensic unit. They also reconstructed the crime scene without the presence of the arrested accused.
State health department cancels offs for senior doctors
The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association of India supported the strike and called for a nationwide halt of non-emergency services in hospitals on Monday. Meanwhile, the state health department canceled all leave and holidays for senior doctors. Separately, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promised a fair investigation and said she would push for the death penalty for the criminal. Kolkata Police deployed a large number of officers at the hospital, making sure that no one could enter without proper ID.
Police to launch toll-free number
Additionally, Goyal also mentioned plans to introduce a toll-free number where the public can submit suggestions or complaints. To recall, on Sunday, the West Bengal Health Department removed Dr. Sanjay Vasishta, the superintendent of the medical college after the incident. The hospital authorities also terminated the contracts of two security personnel assigned to the emergency ward for failing to perform their duties properly.
