The West Bengal government has taken decisive action in response to the shocking rape and murder of a female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. On Sunday, the government transferred the hospital’s Superintendent, Prof. Dr. Sanjay Vashisth, amidst mounting pressure from protesting doctors demanding accountability and reforms.
The transfer comes after a tragic incident early Friday morning, where the young woman was brutally assaulted and killed within the hospital premises. Prof. Dr. Vashisth, previously the Superintendent, has been reassigned to a position as a Professor in the Department of Physiology at Calcutta National Medical College. Prof. Dr. Bulbul Mukhopadhyay, currently a Professor of Physiology at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, will take over as the hospital’s new Superintendent until further notice.
The rape and murder of the trainee doctor has ignited widespread protests from junior doctors, post-graduate trainees, and hospital staff, who have demanded more stringent measures and greater security. Their demonstrations have significantly disrupted services in government hospitals across West Bengal. In response, the state health department has canceled leave for senior doctors to address the staffing shortage and ensure that outpatient services can resume.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association of India (FORDA) has expressed solidarity with the Kolkata doctors and has called for a nationwide suspension of elective medical services on Monday. Additionally, the West Bengal Doctors Forum has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to form an impartial inquiry committee to investigate the incident thoroughly. They have also called for capital punishment for the accused and improved security measures for healthcare workers.
The Kolkata Police have arrested Sanjay Roy, a volunteer with the police force, in connection with the case. A special investigation team (SIT) has been established to delve into the brutal crime. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate that the victim was sexually assaulted, strangulated, and smothered. Significant injuries and severe bleeding were observed from multiple parts of her body.
Sources By Agencies
