CBI Summons Five Doctors questioning in Kolkata Rape Case; TMC Leader Calls for Death Penalty

Photo : PTI

Amid escalating protests demanding justice for a resident doctor who was raped and murdered, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has faced significant unrest. The case has paralyzed medical services at the institution as students and doctors rally for accountability and justice.

The violence erupted when a massive mob targeted the hospital during a demonstration. Videos circulating online depict a crowd storming the emergency ward, vandalizing furniture, and causing considerable damage to the protest site. The scale of the attack, involving hundreds of individuals, has been described as a targeted and organized act of destruction.

The investigation into the rape and murder case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On August 15, 2024, the CBI summoned five doctors for questioning in connection with the case. Those summoned include suspended MSVP Sanjay Vashisth, HOD of Chest Department Arunava Dutta Choudhary, Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine Rina Das, and Forensic Medicine Department members Molly Banerjee and Apurba Biswas.

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Security measures in Kolkata have been intensified in response to the unrest. Over 10,000 police officers have been deployed, including snipers and elite SWAT commandos. Additionally, 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras have been installed in central and New Delhi to monitor the situation closely. The heightened security extends to 13 villages in the Maoist-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, where the Tricolour was hoisted for the first time as part of Independence Day celebrations.

The protests have sparked significant political reactions. TMC leader Shantanu Sen has called for capital punishment for the perpetrators, criticizing the delay in the CBI investigation and accusing the Principal of RG Kar Medical College of ongoing controversies. Sen's remarks reflect broader concerns about the handling of the case and the perceived inadequacies of local authorities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has faced scrutiny for her response to the crisis. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar has condemned the police's handling of the situation, alleging that the police's failure to act has led to further violence and destruction. The BJP has also criticized the state government's inability to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has decided to continue their strike, citing the government's failure to address their demands promptly. The situation has drawn national attention, with Congress leader Supriya Shinate questioning the safety of women in India and condemning the local administration's attempts to cover up the crime.

The West Bengal Governor, CV Ananda Bose, has expressed deep concern over the state of law and order and pledged to ensure justice for the victim. He has engaged directly with protesting doctors and students at RG Kar Medical College, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and promising to support efforts for justice.

As the CBI investigation progresses and the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and addressing the broader issues of safety and accountability within the medical and political spheres.