Kolkata doctor rape-murder: HC sends principal on extended leave
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed Dr Sandip Ghosh—former principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital—to take extended leave. This follows the rape and murder of a doctor on duty at the hospital last Friday. Dr Ghosh, criticized for victim-blaming comments and failing to ensure staff safety, resigned on Monday, saying, "the girl who died was like my daughter...as a parent, I'm resigning." However, he was reappointed as Principal of Calcutta Medical College just 24 hours later.
Court criticizes state's handling of crime
The court, which questioned the state's handling of the horrific crime—such as keeping the doctor's parents waiting for information and potentially shielding Dr Ghosh—observed that the circumstances surrounding the woman's death appeared to have had little impact on him. "The Principal is the guardian of all doctors working there...if he doesn't show any empathy who will show? He should be at home not working anywhere..." a division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam said.
What the bench said
"If the principal stepped down owing 'moral responsibility', (it is) rather serious that he is rewarded, within 12 hours, with another appointment. This Principal will not function... let him go on long leave. Otherwise we pass an order," the bench added. The court also questioned how it came to be that a government lawyer was representing Dr Ghosh.
Parents seek court-monitored probe into daughter's death
The HC on Tuesday heard several petitions, including one from the doctor's parents requesting a court-monitored investigation into their daughter's death. The parents criticized the state authorities for their insensitivity, stating, "We were told at 9:30 pm she was unwell...then[told] she committed suicide. The hospital did not allow me to see my daughter." They argued that Principal Dr. Ghosh should be held accountable and impleaded as an accused, saying, "He was the principal... he cannot shrug off the responsibility."
Nationwide protests by doctors
The killing has sparked nationwide protests by medical professionals demanding a safer workplace, prompting the court to question the state's response. "Doctors are on strike... hospitals are not functioning, and patients are suffering. This is not just in Bengal but across India," the court noted. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state police have until Sunday to complete their investigation, or the Central Bureau of Invetigation will take over.
