JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

The rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, has sent shockwaves throughout the country. 

The deceased, a second-year student of the chest medicine department of the hospital was on duty on Thursday night. Her body was found in the seminar hall at the Emergency building on Friday, August 9 by fellow students.  

Initially declared as a suicide by the police, her father was quoted by PTI as saying, “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.”  The post-mortem conducted revealed, bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger and lips.  Police arrested one person, Sanjoy Roy, a 33-year-old civic volunteer, for his alleged involvement in the murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a senior officer said on Saturday. 

 It also pointed out that the principal of RG Kar had indulged in victim blaming, had called the death a case of suicide, and said the first attempt was "to cover up" the whole incident. 

Postgraduate doctors at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have stopped working in all departments from Friday, except the Emergency ward, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. Several student associations took out a rally demanding a quick probe. There are massive, ongoing nationwide protests demanding justice for the victim. 

 According to recent developments, it has been reported that a mob stormed the hospital on August 14th, late at night, masquerading as protesters. Their actions resulted in significant property damage. Eyewitnesses described the hospital's emergency ward as resembling a war zone, with medical equipment and furniture left in disarray. Protesting medical students, residents, nurses and allied workers reportedly ran for their lives as the police failed to control the mob. 

WHERE ARE WOMEN SAFE?  The news sparked an immediate and massive outcry among the medical fraternity and public. Students from across the medical community gathered to demand justice for the victim. What is most disturbing about this case is that it took place within an academic institution, a place where the future is shaped and nurtured. If our young women are not safe in such environments, it begs the question: where are they safe? 

The plight of the victims' parents is unimaginable. From losing their daughter, to not being allowed to see the body and to witness an improper investigation by the police. 

THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL PROFFESIONALS  Will future students feel confident in pursuing their education in such institutions? Will families of young women be able to trust that their daughters are safe as they chase their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers? 

Violence against doctors is not a new phenomenon, but it has surged dramatically in recent years. In emergency rooms, outpatient departments, and even private clinics, doctors have found themselves vulnerable to aggression from patients, their families, and sometimes even the general public. Healthcare professionals aren't even spared during peaceful protests. 

On August 15, 2024, India celebrated its 78th year of independence. The tricolor was raised high and speeches echoed through the halls. But as we celebrate the hard-fought freedom, one question looms large: what about the freedom for women in this country? After 78 years of independence, can women truly say they are free? 

How can women feel free when the threat of violence is in every space be it public or private? Whether on the streets, in schools, workplaces, or even within their own homes, the threat of violence follows many women daily.  

As we mourn, let us also act. We owe it to her and to every woman who dreams of a future free from fear. Let's not give up until justice is served! 

-Yousra Iftequar