Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: “Are Vandals Being Allowed to Enter the Hospital?” Questioned the Supreme Court
Image credit: The Hitavada
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has addressed a suo motu case concerning the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The three-judge bench, led by CJI Chandrachud, consists of Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, raised concerns about the hospital administration and local police actions in the rape and murder case. Violence against medical professionals has become a serious issue. Women doctors are especially targeted due to deep-seated biased attitudes. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the urgency to address these issues as more women enter the workforce, stating that the nation cannot afford to wait for another assault before taking action.
“During the incident, what actions were taken by the principal? The body was handed over to the parents after a delay, and the FIR was registered three hours after the body was handed over for cremation. What is the current role of the police in this matter? A serious offense has occurred, and the crime scene is within a hospital. What steps are being taken to address this situation? Are vandals being allowed to enter the hospital?” questioned CJI Chandrachud.
Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, responded to the bench’s queries by stating that individuals at the hospital had captured photographs, an investigation into the unnatural death was promptly initiated, and a board was established with a judicial magistrate in attendance.
However, CJI Chandrachud emphasized that it was the hospital’s responsibility to file the FIR, particularly given the absence of the victim’s parents.
The Supreme Court stressed the urgency of implementing necessary changes to prevent future incidents of rape. The Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in filing the FIR and other procedural lapses in the case handled by the West Bengal government and hospital authorities. The Supreme Court has unequivocally mandated the removal of all images and videos disclosing the identity and body of the doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital.
The victim’s father filed the FIR at 11:45 pm, followed by the Vice Principal of the hospital. CJI Chandrachud questioned the timing of events, pointing out that the FIR was filed three hours after the victim’s body was reportedly handed over for cremation at 8:30 pm. The autopsy revealed murder, but the FIR was registered much later. Mr. Sibal countered that the FIR was filed immediately and that the inquest shows it is a case of murder.
The Chief Justice noted that the principal was reassigned to another college after resignation. The Calcutta High Court instructed the West Bengal Health Department not to appoint Mr. Ghosh to any other medical college until further notice, following protests from students and junior doctors. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, resigned just two days after the incident and has been questioned by the CBI for nearly 53 hours over the past four days regarding his actions following the doctor’s death.
The incident has sparked protests nationwide and raised concerns about women’s safety, especially in medical colleges. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose is in Delhi to discuss the matter with President Droupadi Murmu and national leaders. The CBI is investigating and has been authorized to conduct a polygraph test on the accused, Sanjoy Roy.
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