Doctors Protest Rape-Murder Horror, Prompt Big Changes at Kolkata Hospital

Photo : PTI

Following the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the West Bengal government has made significant administrative changes in response to intense protests from the medical community.

The controversy erupted after the body of the doctor, a postgraduate trainee in the department of chest medicine, was discovered in the hospital’s seminar hall on the morning of August 9. The medical examination confirmed the rape, leading to widespread outrage and demands for improved safety conditions for healthcare professionals.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

In the wake of the incident, several key administrative changes have been implemented at the hospital. Professor Dr. Suhrita Paul, who had been appointed as the principal of RG Kar Medical College following the resignation of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, has been removed from her position. Professor Dr. Manas Kumar Bandopadhyay has been named the new principal. Dr. Paul will now head Barasat Government Medical College and Hospital, a role previously held by Bandopadhyay.

Additionally, the medical superintendent of RG Kar Medical College, Professor Dr. Bulbul Mukhopadhyay, has been replaced by Professor Dr. Saptarshi Chatterjee. The state government has also dismissed Professor Dr. Arunabha Dutta Chaudhuri, who was in charge of the department where the victim worked.

These changes followed a major protest organized by students and senior doctors. They marched from the CBI office in Kolkata to Swasthya Bhawan, the state health department’s headquarters, where they presented their demands, including the removal of the principal and other key officials.

The state government has also canceled the appointment of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal, to a new position as head of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. This move had faced strong criticism from the courts, which left the government in a difficult position.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the case, establishing a National Task Force to recommend measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the probe from the Kolkata Police, who had made little progress in the investigation. The CBI has provided an update on the case to the Supreme Court ahead of today’s hearing.

In the aftermath, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested by the Kolkata Police a day after the doctor’s body was found. However, there have been no additional arrests to date.

These developments underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for reforms to protect healthcare professionals working under increasingly challenging conditions.