Fresh allegations of rape in a government hospital have sparked outrage in West Bengal. The charges, levelled against the facility manager of a contractor company, surfaced at Panshkura Super Specialty Hospital in East Midnapore district.
The accused, Zahir Abbas Khan, was arrested on Monday night from Kolaghat after a written complaint was lodged at Panshkura police station.
According to police, several women employed as temporary ward girls under Reliable Facility Services Pvt. Ltd. alleged that Khan repeatedly raped them inside the hospital premises, threatening them with job loss and even death if they spoke out. One of the victims finally came forward with a written complaint, prompting the police action.
Panshkura police station officer-in-charge Samar De confirmed the arrest. “A victim filed a written complaint against the facility manager. The charge sheet includes the names of two more victims. The accused will be produced in Tamluk court on Tuesday, where we will seek 10 days’ police custody,” De said.
Following the arrest, local residents staged a protest outside Panshkura police station, demanding strict punishment for the accused.
The case has also taken a political turn. The BJP alleged that Khan had significant influence inside the hospital due to his links with the ruling Trinamool Congress, which prevented victims from speaking earlier.
“The accused enjoyed protection. The victims had no voice under Trinamool’s influence. He must be punished,” said a Bharatiya Janata Party leader.
The TMC, however, denied the allegations. Party leader Sheikh Samiruddin said, “The accused has no connection with Trinamool. He misused the party’s name. This incident is condemnable, and we demand strict punishment for the culprit.”
The incident has revived public anger over safety lapses in state-run hospitals. Last year, West Bengal was shaken by the rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, an incident that sparked nationwide protests. With memories of that tragedy still fresh, the latest allegations have intensified concerns about the security and dignity of hospital staff.
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