Twist in Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder Case as Parents Allege Police Cover-Up
In a shocking development surrounding the case of the Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder, the parents of the victim have alleged that the police attempted to cover up the incident. The young woman, a trainee doctor, was found dead at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Her semi-naked body was discovered in the seminar hall of the institution. The police arrested the main accused, Sanjay Roy, who was seen on CCTV footage entering the building around the time of the crime. His personal belongings, including his Bluetooth headphones, were found near the crime scene, linking him to the incident.
According to the victim’s father, the Kolkata Police not only delayed showing the family their daughter’s body but also allegedly hurried her cremation in an effort to downplay the severity of the crime. He further claimed that a senior police officer offered the family money, which they immediately declined. These serious accusations have intensified the public outcry for justice, with many suspecting a police cover-up.
The tragedy has triggered widespread protests, especially among medical professionals. Junior doctors, colleagues of the victim, have been holding demonstrations outside police headquarters, demanding accountability and the resignation of the city’s police commissioner, Vineet Goyal, over the alleged mishandling of the case. The junior doctors symbolically handed an artificial spine to the commissioner, implying that the police force should “grow a backbone” and properly handle the investigation.
Public discontent over the case has also been evident in various civic acts of solidarity. One such demonstration occurred on Tuesday night when thousands of women across West Bengal participated in the ‘Reclaim the Night’ campaign, demanding justice for the victim. In a poignant act of unity, residents in Kolkata turned off their lights for an hour, gathering in the streets with candles to show their support for the cause.
A week after the incident, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court, underscoring the public’s lack of trust in the local authorities’ handling of the investigation. Despite the swift arrest of the accused, there has been mounting criticism over the manner in which the case has been managed, particularly the delayed response from the police and their questionable actions in the aftermath of the crime.
Protests over the handling of the case have severely disrupted healthcare services across state-run hospitals in West Bengal. Junior doctors, in a show of solidarity and demand for justice, have been boycotting work. As a result, medical services have remained crippled in many public hospitals, adding further strain to the already tense atmosphere in Kolkata.
The nature of the crime has shocked the nation. After allegedly assaulting and severely injuring the young doctor, Sanjay Roy reportedly killed her by throttling and smothering her. The heinousness of the act, coupled with the perception of police corruption, has only fueled public outrage.
This isn’t the first time such cases have garnered widespread protests in India. The public’s reaction is reminiscent of previous high-profile cases where allegations of police incompetence or collusion in suppressing evidence have triggered mass movements demanding justice. In this case, the protests are not limited to Kolkata but have spread nationwide, drawing attention to broader issues surrounding the safety of women in public spaces, even in professional environments like hospitals.
The tragic loss of the young doctor has reignited conversations around the need for stronger protections for women and healthcare professionals. The Center has also stepped in, urging states and Union Territories to implement urgent security measures in hospitals to prevent similar incidents in the future. They have requested a report by September 10 on actions taken to enhance security in these public institutions.
As the investigation continues under the CBI’s supervision, the victim’s family and supporters hold out hope for justice. Their demand is not just for the conviction of the accused but for systemic change that ensures such an incident is never repeated. The case has become a rallying point for both gender rights and public accountability, as protests and demands for reforms show no signs of slowing down.