Resident Doctors' Body Demands Justice for Raped, Murdered Kolkata Medico, Warn of Nationwide Strike

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) has urgently appealed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, demanding swift action following the brutal murder of a second-year postgraduate resident doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

The doctor's body, found semi-nude in the hospital's seminar hall on Friday morning, revealed harrowing signs of sexual assault, strangulation, and smothering, according to an initial autopsy report.

Photo Credit: PTI

The disturbing nature of the injuries-including bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and private parts, along with multiple other wounds-has intensified the call for justice.

In their letter to the Health Minister, FORDA expressed deep concern over the "glaring deficiencies in security" at medical institutions and emphasized the critical need to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.

"The circumstances surrounding the death of this young doctor, found in the hospital seminar hall, are deeply disturbing, with credible allegations of assault, rape, and murder emerging," the letter stated.

FORDA has demanded an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the crime, insisting on strict action against both the perpetrators and those responsible for the hospital's security.

They have also urged the government to expedite the implementation of the 'Central Protection Act for Doctors,' aimed at safeguarding medical professionals from violence and ensuring their safety while on duty.

The association has warned that failure to meet their demands may result in an escalation of actions, potentially leading to the shutdown of medical services across the country within 24 hours.

"We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further directives as necessary," FORDA added.

One suspect held

In response, the Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the crime, and one suspect, described as an outsider with suspicious activities, has been arrested.

"We have arrested one person, who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious and he seems to be directly involved in the crime," a police officer told PTI.