The tragic rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has sent shockwaves across the nation. In response, junior doctors have organized protests and ceased work, demanding swift justice for the victim. This disruption has affected patients awaiting care in the Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) of several medical colleges, where junior doctors typically provide services.

On Friday, August 9, the semi-nude body of a female post-graduate trainee doctor (Moumita Debnath) was discovered in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital in Kolkata. The deceased, a second-year student in the Chest Medicine Department at R.G. Kar Medical College, was on duty the night before.

Her father, expressing his grief and suspicion, told PTI, "I am quite sure that my daughter was raped before she was murdered. The injury marks on her body are evident. She was found semi-naked. Efforts are on to hide the truth. I do not understand why they (hospital authorities) are delaying the investigation."

A colleague from the hospital, speaking anonymously, added, "She had dinner with her juniors around 2 AM. She then went to the seminar room, as there is no separate on-call room, to rest. In the morning, we found her body there."

Initial autopsy findings that shattered us...

The initial autopsy report indicated that the victim was murdered after being sexually assaulted, ruling out suicide. According to police, the four-page report revealed significant injuries, including bleeding from the victim’s private parts, eyes, and mouth. There were also injuries on her face, neck, belly, and limbs. The autopsy, conducted on camera, was witnessed by two women and the victim's mother.

A senior Kolkata Police officer noted that the crime likely occurred between 3 AM and 6 AM. "Her neck bone was also found broken. It seems she was first strangled and then smothered to death. We are awaiting the full autopsy report, which will help us identify the culprits," he said.

Further details emerged that the victim's glasses were shattered, with shards piercing her eyes, according to NDTV.

The arrest of prime suspect - Sanjoy Roy

Police arrested Sanjoy Roy, a 33-year-old civic volunteer, for his alleged involvement in the murder. Roy, who was not a hospital employee, had unrestricted access to various departments. His arrest followed the discovery of a torn part of a Bluetooth earphone, which led investigators to him. CCTV footage from the hospital also helped other PGTs and female doctors identify the suspect.



Roy, who has a history of domestic violence and a known addiction to pornography, allegedly gave conflicting statements during police interrogation. On Saturday, a Kolkata court sent him to 14 days of judicial custody. He has been charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS. The judge granted the prosecution's request for a 14-day police remand, allowing for further questioning.

What's happening and what has the police found throughout the investigation?

During the investigation, police revealed that Roy, a trained boxer, had developed close ties with senior police officers over the years. This connection enabled him to gain free access to the hospital and the barracks of Kolkata Police's 4th battalion, where he stayed. After committing the crime, Roy allegedly returned to the barracks and went to sleep before washing his clothes the next morning in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Police are also investigating Roy’s influence within the force, which may have contributed to his unchecked movements within the hospital.

May the justice prevail!

Source / Image Credit : Satyaagrah , Hindi Patrika