Doctors across India went on strike on Monday, August 12, protesting the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Federation Of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) called for the protest, demanding justice. In West Bengal, doctors have stopped work and initiated an indefinite strike, disrupting hospital services across the state.
The strike, now in its fourth day, has seen support from interns and postgraduate trainees statewide, who are determined to continue until justice is served. The victim’s semi-nude body was discovered on August 9, leading to nationwide outrage. Following an investigation, Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who confessed to the crime. He remains in police custody until August 23, and several officials at the hospital have been suspended for negligence.
Go on leave: Court to Kolkata college ex-principal amid doctor murder protests
On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court instructed Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to take leave following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor on campus. The Chief Justice emphasized that Dr. Ghosh must step down immediately and questioned whether his statement had been recorded.
Shortly after resigning, Dr. Ghosh was appointed principal of Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC). The court criticized his appointment, noting that a principal must demonstrate empathy and responsibility, and suggested that he should remain at home rather than take on a new role.
What has happened in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata?
On the morning of August 9, 2024, a shocking incident occurred at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, which has raised numerous concerns regarding safety and security in medical institutions. A woman doctor was found dead under disturbing circumstances, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
- Discovery of the Body
Early on Friday morning, the body of a woman doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Hospital. She was found with multiple injuries, and authorities ruled out suicide, leading to the conclusion that she had been murdered following a sexual assault. According to police reports, the victim was a postgraduate trainee in chest medicine and had been on night duty the previous day.
- Last Known Activities
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The doctor last spoke to her mother around 11:15 PM on the night of August 8, shortly after completing her nightly rounds.
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She shared dinner with two junior colleagues before deciding to rest in the seminar hall, which was a common practice due to the lack of dedicated on-call rooms for medical staff.
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At approximately 2 AM, she went to the seminar hall to get some rest, and her colleagues attempted to check on her the following morning.
- Findings at the Crime Scene
When the two doctors checked on her, they discovered her body in a partially clothed state. Significant evidence suggested foul play, with police confirming that the victim had been assaulted. The seminar hall, where the incident took place, notably lacked CCTV cameras, raising questions about security measures in the hospital.
Reasons for Choosing the Seminar Room
An anonymous source from the hospital explained that the seminar room was used as a resting place because there was no designated on-call room available. The lack of appropriate facilities forced the victim to use the seminar hall, which, notably, did not have any CCTV coverage.
- Details from the Crime Scene
Upon investigation, several key details emerged:
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Condition of the Body: The woman was found semi-naked with a pink kurti and a white upper garment on a blue mattress. The mattress was found to be soaked in blood and contained several strands of hair.
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Additional Evidence: Near the body, a pair of jeans, an undergarment, and a hair clip were discovered. The clip was notably found near the victim’s private parts.
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Initial Police Findings: The police confirmed that the victim was raped and murdered, as indicated by the evidence collected at the scene.
Autopsy Findings
The preliminary autopsy report presented alarming details regarding the circumstances of her death. It indicated that the woman had been sexually assaulted prior to her murder, revealing a total of ten injuries across various parts of her body.
- Detailed Injuries
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Body Trauma: The report noted injuries from the eyes down to the ankles, with bleeding from her private parts, eyes, mouth, and other areas.
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Specific Injuries: The injuries included damage to her face, neck, belly, left leg, right hand, and ring finger, as well as lacerations to her lips.
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Neck Injury: A senior police official indicated that the victim's neck bone was broken, suggesting that she was likely strangled before being smothered.
The authorities believe the crime took place between 3 AM and 6 AM, based on the available evidence and the circumstances surrounding her last hours.
- Autopsy Procedure
The autopsy was conducted under surveillance and was witnessed by two female professionals, along with the victim's mother. This step was crucial in ensuring transparency in the investigation process.
Investigation and Response
- Formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT)
In response to the tragic incident, the Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which includes members from the homicide department and other specialized units. This team is tasked with thoroughly investigating the crime to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Administrative Response
In light of the incident, the West Bengal government has appointed Dr. Bulbul Mukhopadhyay as the new Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This move is part of the efforts to address the situation and improve conditions at the hospital.
The investigation continues as the SIT works to unravel the details of this grievous crime and ensure that justice is served for the victim.
Suspect arrested- What do we know of the accused, Sanjay Roy?
In a significant development in a recent crime, the Kolkata Police have identified and arrested a suspect named Sanjay Roy. This arrest follows an intensive investigation and interrogation process.
- Background of the Accused: Sanjay Roy
Sanjay Roy is described as an outsider with notable access to various departments within the RG Kar Hospital due to his role as a civic volunteer in the police welfare board. Civic volunteers, often referred to as civic police, were originally established in West Bengal to assist the police in various capacities. Reports indicate that Roy joined the Kolkata Police's Disaster Management Group as a civic volunteer in 2019 and later transitioned to the Welfare Cell, which further augmented his access to hospital facilities.
- Access to Hospital Facilities
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Role as Civic Volunteer: Sanjay Roy's position as a civic volunteer allowed him to work closely with police operations.
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Assigned to RG Kar Hospital: Roy was reportedly assigned to the police outpost at RG Kar Hospital multiple times, granting him the opportunity to navigate various hospital departments without raising suspicion.
- Personal Life and Allegations of Misconduct
Sanjay Roy’s personal history reveals a troubling pattern. Neighbors have indicated that he was married four times, with three of his previous wives leaving him due to allegations of misconduct. His fourth wife passed away from cancer the previous year. Neighbors have also reported that Roy frequently returned home late at night, often under the influence of alcohol.
- Reports from Neighbors
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Violent Behavior: One of his former mother-in-laws reported that Roy exhibited violent tendencies toward women, stating, “After he married my daughter by hiding his previous marriage, we came to know several things against Sanjay.”
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History of Alcohol Use: Neighbors noted that Roy often came home inebriated, raising concerns about his behavior.
How was the accused in RG Kar doctor’s rape & murder case arrested?
The investigation into the crime, involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, has revealed critical details. The incident reportedly occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning. The victim and four colleagues had dinner in a seminar room, watching the Paris Olympics when three of them left, leaving the deceased doctor to rest.
- Key Findings from the Crime Scene
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Bluetooth Headset Discovery: A Bluetooth headset found at the crime scene was pivotal in leading police to Roy.
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CCTV Footage: Surveillance footage indicated that Roy entered the hospital around 4 am on Friday, wearing a Bluetooth device, which disappeared shortly after he left approximately 40 minutes later.
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Crucial Evidence: Investigators discovered that Roy left the Bluetooth device near the scene of the crime, which could serve as significant evidence against him.
- Arrest and Investigation Developments
Sanjay Roy was arrested after police connected the evidence from the crime scene to him. Reports indicate that he had consumed alcohol prior to the incident and had a collection of violent pornographic material on his phone, suggesting troubling psychological factors.
- Police Findings
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Alcohol Consumption: According to sources, Roy had been drinking behind the hospital before the crime.
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Violent Content: Investigators found numerous violent pornographic videos on Roy's phone, which raised concerns about his mental state.
Statements from Law Enforcement
In the wake of his arrest, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal provided insights into Roy's actions post-crime. It was revealed that he returned to his residence, slept, and then attempted to wash his clothes the following morning to destroy potential evidence. During a search, police discovered blood on Roy's shoes, further implicating him in the crime.
- Key Remarks from Police
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Spontaneous Nature of the Crime: Authorities believe the crime was not premeditated but rather a spontaneous act.
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Evidence Collection: The discovery of bloodstained shoes is a significant addition to the evidence pile against Roy.
Timeline of Events in the Case of the Trainee Doctor’s Assault and Murder
The tragic case involving the sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor has sent shockwaves across India, particularly within the medical community. Below is a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the incident and the subsequent developments.
August 5-8: Attendance at Police Welfare Society Meeting
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Sanjay Roy's Travel: Sanjay Roy, a civic assistant, traveled to Salua in Kharagpur to attend a meeting organized by the Police Welfare Society. He stayed in Salua from August 5 to August 8, claiming that his presence there was for official duty.
August 8: Activities in Kolkata
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Morning: Upon returning to Kolkata, Sanjay first visited RG Kar Hospital, where he worked as a broker. His intention was to facilitate the admission of a patient. After confirming the patient’s admission, he briefly left the hospital.
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Night: Later that night, at approximately 11 pm, Sanjay returned to RG Kar Hospital to assist the same patient with an X-ray. He was accompanied by the patient’s family during this visit. After spending a few minutes with them, Sanjay left the hospital.
August 9: The Alleged Crime
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Early Hours: At around 1 am, Sanjay returned to the hospital to help another patient scheduled for surgery. After assisting, he remained on the hospital premises and consumed alcohol with a relative of the patient behind the hospital building. Additionally, he provided financial aid to the patient’s family and arranged for an Uber bike for their return journey.
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3 am Incident: Around 3 am, Sanjay was seen heading to the third floor of the Chest Medicine building. Within a few minutes, he entered a seminar hall where a lady doctor was resting. It is here that he allegedly committed the horrific acts of rape and murder. Sanjay left the seminar hall approximately 40 to 45 minutes later.
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4:30 am: CCTV footage recorded Sanjay exiting the hospital premises at approximately 4:37 am. He then returned to his barrack to sleep.
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Later That Morning: Following a review of the CCTV footage and his suspicious activities, Kolkata Police detained Sanjay Roy from his barrack. He was subsequently brought back to the hospital for questioning.
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Evening: After an extensive interrogation, the police arrested Sanjay Roy. He now faces serious charges of rape and murder in connection with this crime.
What Happens Next?
- Chief Minister's Statement
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased trainee doctor. She has pledged to pursue the death penalty for the accused and is open to a CBI investigation if the family is dissatisfied with the police's handling of the case. Speaking to ABP Ananda, the Chief Minister stated, “I have ordered the police to take the case to a fast-track court and seek a death penalty against the culprit. If the family is not satisfied with the investigation conducted by the police, they are welcome to approach CBI, we have no problem.”
- Response from the Medical Community
The brutal rape and murder of the 31-year-old doctor have deeply impacted medical staff across West Bengal and the entire country.
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Protests by Medical Staff: Junior doctors and students at state-run hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College, National Medical College, and Medical College, Kolkata, have organized sit-ins and processions. Major government hospitals in Delhi have announced an indefinite halt of all elective services starting Monday (August 12) in solidarity with their Kolkata counterparts. This includes shutdowns of outpatient departments (OPDs), operation theatres (OTs), and ward duties.
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Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) Response: The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures for doctors, expressing that the recent incident has been a final straw. FORDA president Dr. Aviral Mathur stated, “We can no longer stand by while our safety is compromised. The recent horrific rape and murder of a fellow doctor on hospital premises is the final straw.”
- Political Fallout
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BJP’s Criticism: The BJP has criticized the state government's handling of the case, questioning the safety and security of women and the brutal nature of the crime. Suvendu Adhikary, the Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, has urged the deceased doctor's family to approach the High Court and request a CBI investigation.
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Police Action: On the same day, the police blocked a delegation led by Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar from visiting the doctor’s family near Kolkata.
The tragic circumstances surrounding this case have highlighted significant issues regarding safety within hospitals and the broader societal implications of violence against women. As the investigation unfolds, the collective call for justice continues to resonate throughout the nation.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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