Demand Justice for the Brutal Rape and Murder of the On Duty Female Doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata
The brutal rape and murder of a female chest medicine doctor (a PG 2nd Year Medical student) inside a seminar room on the 4th floor of the emergency ward of R G Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata has shaken the entire nation. According to media reports, the preliminary autopsy report revealed deep wounds on the genitals and about ten injuries all over the body of the victim. This gruesome incident inside a reputed Government hospital in the heart of the city reveals that the hospital authorities have completely failed to provide a safe environment to the women staffs inside hospital premises.
In an extremely insensitive way, the principal of RG Kar Medical College has put the responsibility on the victim for going to the seminar room alone in night! AIPWA vehemently condemns this victim blaming which is nothing but a product of a patriarchal rape-culture rooted in the society which allows rapists and murderers to roam free and questions the victim instead. This incident has also exposed the deplorable state of safety and security of women in organised and unorganised workplaces, both indoors and outdoors. The State Health Department and RG Kar College Hospital authorities must be held accountable.
It is reported that an accused security guard has been arrested, who is neither a government staff nor a police personnel. There is clearly a lack of security in an important place like the emergency ward. In addition, even after many complaints repeatedly surfaced earlier regarding corrupt nexus and malpractices with respect to bed availability, blood, medicines etc, no actions were taken by the hospital authorities.
AIPWA extends solidarity with the medical students and doctors protesting across the medical colleges with their long standing demand of a safe workplace and stands with the battle for justice for the victim of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. A high level judicial enquiry must be conducted to ensure justice and exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of this crime be given.
