Amid the outrage over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a nurse was allegedly molested in a hospital in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. A minor girl was allegedly sexually abused in North 24 Parganas district, leading to violent protests in the area.

At Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district, a mob protesting against the sexual abuse of a minor girl vandalised the home of her alleged abuser and his relative’s shop.

A local Trinamool Congress leader’s purported remark asking the victim’s family to “settle the matter”, triggered further outrage.

“The accused is a resident of our village. I could not imagine that he could do such a thing,” the girl’s father said.

My daughter, who is nine years old, was coming to my shop from home. At that time, the accused assaulted her. I demand exemplary punishment for him,” he added.

The accused was arrested later in the day.

As soon as the alleged sexual assault of the minor came to light on Saturday night, villagers started protesting in front of the home of the accused. The TMC leader whose alleged interference ignited widespread public anger is the husband of a panchayat member.

As the mob also targeted the panchayat member’s home, police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in the area and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd.

The panchayat member’s family claimed the attack was carried out by supporters of the Opposition CPI(M) supporters from a neighbouring area.

In the other incident, a nurse working at a hospital in Birbhum district’s Illambazar area said that during a routine procedure, a patient touched her inappropriately and used abusive language when confronted. After she filed a police complaint, the patient was arrested.

“He touched me inappropriately and said bad things to me… We feel insecure. How can a patient do this if there is a lack of proper security,” the nurse told mediapersons.

Dr Masidul Hasan, the doctor on duty at the health centre said: “The accused arrived at the hospital around 8:30 pm and started misbehaving with the staff as soon as he arrived. He inappropriately touched a nurse. We have informed the police and the authorities. If they do not take any action, we will stop work.”

Following the incident, tension spread in the area. Police said they have launched an investigation into the matter and arrested the accused.

Click here to join The Indian Express on WhatsApp and get latest news and updates