Incident at R.G. Kar Medical College

Sep 2, 2024

Lecture Notes on the Incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital

Overview

  • The situation involves a criminal incident at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
  • Key individuals include Sanjay Roy (the accused), Dr. Sandeep Ghosh (principal), and various police officers.
  • The incident has sparked protests and demands for justice, reflecting broader societal issues.

Key Events

Initial Context

  • Sanjay Roy: Worked as a cook at R.G. Kar Medical College; vanished for three years before joining the Civic Volunteer Force in 2019.
  • Civic Volunteer Force: Created in 2012 to address police workforce shortages; provided temporary support to police for various tasks.
  • Corruption: Roy used his position to secure free beds and earn commissions, often exploiting patients and students.

Incident Timeline

  1. August 2024: Roy committed a serious crime against a female medical resident.
  2. CCTV Footage: Shows Roy entering the seminar hall where the crime occurred at approximately 4:03 AM.
  3. Victim: A second-year MD student who was on a 36-hour shift at the hospital.
  4. Attack: Roy throttled and assaulted the victim, leading to her death around 4:15 AM.
  5. Discovery: The body was found around 6 AM, leading to chaos and a cover-up attempt by the administration.

Aftermath

  • Autopsy and FIR: Conducted without filing an FIR; initial reports indicated signs of assault and murder, not suicide.
  • Public Outrage: Protests erupted after the revelation, connecting the incident to broader issues of safety and corruption in medical institutions.

Key Players

Sanjay Roy

  • Background: Known for a history of violence against women; previously faced domestic violence allegations.
  • Position: Had gained significant power and influence within the Civic Volunteer Force.

Dr. Sandeep Ghosh

  • Role: Principal of RG Kar Medical College during the incident; faced allegations of corruption and mishandling the situation post-incident.
  • Response: Criticized for not reporting the crime immediately and attempting to cover it up.

Investigation and Protests

  • Public Response: Widespread protests demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the incident, spurred by prior cases of alleged cover-ups in the institution.
  • Political Implications: Allegations emerged linking some protesters to TMC, raising questions about political interference.
  • CBI Involvement: The case was transferred to the CBI after public outcry and demands for justice.

Broader Implications

  • Historical Context: Previous incidents of alleged suicides and violence in R.G. Kar Medical College have led to ongoing distrust among students and families regarding the institution's safety and governance.
  • Societal Concerns: Highlighted issues of gender-based violence, hospital safety, and the need for systemic reform in handling such sensitive cases.
  • Future Actions: Demands for comprehensive investigations and accountability to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.