The horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have sparked nationwide outrage, echoing the sentiments felt during the 2012 Nirbhaya case. This latest tragedy has once again brought the issue of women’s safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system into sharp focus, with protests erupting across the country.
Despite significant reforms to the criminal justice system in the wake of the Nirbhaya case, campaigners argue that little has changed on the ground. The promises of tougher sentences and better protections have not translated into the safety many had hoped for.
Doctors are now leading the charge, organizing protests and halting work to demand justice for their colleague. The victim, a postgraduate trainee, was found in a semi-nude state in the hospital’s seminar hall last Friday morning. An autopsy revealed more than 14 injuries on her body, including severe trauma to her head, face, neck, arms, and genitals, indicating a violent struggle before she was brutally murdered.
Initially, hospital authorities told the victim’s parents that their daughter had committed suicide, sparking outrage and raising serious concerns about the credibility and accountability of the institution. This attempt to downplay the incident only fueled public anger.
The police have arrested a suspect, Sanjay Roy, who was reportedly a frequent visitor to the hospital. Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal stated that circumstantial evidence, including accounts from other doctors on night duty and CCTV footage, led to Roy’s arrest. The footage showed Roy entering the building wearing earphones, which were later found at the crime scene. This clue helped police trace the suspect. Investigations have also revealed that Roy has a history of criminal behavior, including extortion and threats against women.
The protests have grown beyond just calls for justice for the victim. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is demanding stronger protections for healthcare workers, including mandatory security protocols at hospitals akin to those at airports, complete with CCTV installations and security personnel. The association has highlighted the long-standing issue of grueling work hours and poor working conditions that junior doctors face, which not only affect their job performance but also take a toll on their mental health.
Healthcare services nationwide have been severely disrupted as junior doctors from major hospitals have joined the strike. Non-emergency services have been heavily impacted, and in Delhi, the strike has entered its sixth day, with elective medical services suspended. Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) from hospitals like AIIMS and RML have held demonstrations and candlelight vigils across the city. The IMA has warned that protests will continue until their demands are addressed.
As the country mourns the loss of another young woman to a senseless act of violence, the demand for justice and systemic change grows louder. The government now faces the urgent task of responding to these calls, ensuring that this tragedy is not repeated, and restoring public trust in the institutions designed to protect them.
