Kolkata doctor rape-murder: NHRC seeks detailed report from West Bengal authorities
Times of India | 13 August 2024
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of an alleged sexual assault on an RG Kar Medical College student in Kolkata. Notices were issued to West Bengal officials seeking detailed reports within two weeks. NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault and murder of a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, issuing notices to the chief secretary and the Director general of police, West Bengal.
They have been asked to provide a detailed report on the investigation and actions taken within two weeks.
The NHRC stated that the media reports, if accurate, indicate a serious human rights violation. The Commission has requested a comprehensive report covering the current status of the police investigation, actions taken against the perpetrators, and any compensation paid to the victim's family. They also seek information on measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has instructed the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, to submit a leave application by 3 pm. This directive follows Ghosh's appointment as principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which sparked protests after his resignation from RG Kar Medical College.
Sandip Ghosh resigned from his principal position at RG Kar Medical College on Monday, citing defamation on social media following the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the hospital.
The chief Justice division bench of the Calcutta High Court is reviewing multiple Public Interest Litigations related to the incident. During the hearing, the chief Justice questioned Ghosh’s new appointment.
"How can the principal - who resigned by taking moral responsibility, be appointed as the principal of another government college? The court has asked him to submit a leave application by 3 pm today or the court will pass an order for him to leave the position," stated the court.
The tragic incident came to light when a post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered dead inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Investigations confirmed rape and murder. Reports indicate the victim's body had scratch marks, suggesting a struggle occurred. The family has alleged that she was raped and murdered.
Thus, the NHRC’s intervention aims to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such grievous incidents while the Calcutta High Court scrutinizes administrative actions taken in its aftermath.
The authorities in West Bengal are now pressed to provide clarity and justice swiftly.