This tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has understandably led to significant unrest among the medical community and the public.
The arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, has raised serious concerns about the security and safety measures within hospital premises, particularly those where many women work late-night shifts.
The fact that Roy was able to access the hospital and the crime scene without being questioned by security is alarming. The response from the junior doctors, including their decision to cease work and protest, reflects their frustration and fear, not just over this incident but likely over broader systemic issues related to security at medical institutions.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also taken a strong stance, giving an ultimatum to the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and to improve safety measures for doctors, particularly women, within 48 hours. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential for nationwide protests if the demands are not met.
Roy was captured by multiple CCTV cameras entering the seminar hall wearing earphones, and stepping out without them half an hour later. The pair of earphones were said to have been found at the crime scene.
Roy had walked past multiple security persons and other staff but no one stopped him, the police said after the arrest.
The 31-year-old, second-year postgraduate trainee doctor was on the night shift on Thursday and was found dead inside the seminar hall on Friday morning.
The situation also underscores the broader issues of governance and accountability within public institutions. The involvement of a civic volunteer in such a heinous crime, and the allegations of misuse of power by civic volunteers, points to systemic flaws that need to be urgently addressed.
Follow us
