The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, which has become the epicenter of protests, and demands for justice following the heinous rape and murder of a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor, witnessed mob violence on the night of August 14, 2024.
As part of a ‘Reclaim the Night’ march, protesters gathered at RG Kar Hospital, but the peaceful protest turned chaotic when a mob, allegedly politically motivated, attacked the protesters, including doctors, and vandalized the hospital premises.
Protestors, including doctors and medical students, have alleged that the mob attack was aimed at destroying the evidence at the hospital.
The opposition BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, posted videos of the vandalism and questioned why the police remained mute spectators.
Protests across West Bengal and elsewhere
The crime against the trainee doctor unfolded in the early hours of August 9, 2024.
The victim, resting in a seminar hall after a long shift, was found raped and murdered. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with a history of violence against women, was apprehended after CCTV footage confirmed his presence at the crime scene. Roy confessed to the crime, detailing his actions, which included consuming alcohol with a patient’s relative before committing the crime.
The horrific incident triggered immediate protests by doctors and medical students across West Bengal, leading to a cessation of services in several hospitals. The protests sought justice for the victim and highlighted the broader issue of violence against healthcare workers.
The medical fraternity at New Delhi AIIMS has decided to shut down all elective services till justice is served.
The medical fraternity’s demands included better security measures and implementing the Central Protection Act to safeguard medical professionals.
The legal aftermath of the crime
The Calcutta High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), signaling a lack of trust in local law enforcement’s handling of the case.
Political response
The incident has reignited discussions on women’s safety, particularly in public and professional spaces. The violence during the protests has further complicated the narrative, with allegations of political interference aiming to suppress the demonstrations.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has been vocal about ensuring justice, yet the public’s faith in state mechanisms appears to be visibly shaken.