Family of Alleged Rape and Murder Victim Joins Protests at RG Kar Hospital

Family members of a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered last month have joined protesting medical staff at RG Kar Hospital. The doctor’s body was discovered on August 9 at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, leading to widespread outrage and demands for justice.

Allegations of Police Misconduct

The family has accused the Kolkata Police of trying to cover up the case. They claim that the police quickly cremated the doctor’s body and attempted to bribe them. “The police tried to hush up the case from the start. We weren't allowed to see the body and had to wait at the station while it was taken for a post-mortem. When we finally received the body, a senior police official offered us money, which we refused,” the doctor’s father said.

Legal and Political Response

In response to the family's concerns, the Calcutta High Court ordered that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in mid-August. The doctor’s parents have joined the protests to support junior doctors seeking justice for their daughter. Protests have spread across the state, with people from various sectors calling for accountability.

On Monday, the CBI detained Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on charges of suspected financial misconduct.

New Legislation for Rape Cases

The West Bengal Assembly has passed a new anti-rape bill that introduces severe penalties. The bill proposes capital punishment for rape if it results in the victim's death or leaves her in a vegetative state. For other cases, it mandates life imprisonment without parole. The bill also requires that rape investigations be completed within 24 days of reporting.

Chief Minister’s Support and Criticism

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has supported the West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2024, stating that it aims to protect women’s dignity.

Also read: Anti-rape bill Bengal: Rapists will hanged in 10 days, Aparajita task force announced

She criticized the federal government for not addressing her concerns about previous legislation and for passing laws hastily. Banerjee emphasized the importance of thorough discussions before enacting such bills and warned of potential repercussions if Bengal's concerns are not properly addressed.