In light of the recent Kolkata rape-murder case, the President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has made an appeal to doctors practicing modern medicine. He urged medical professionals to shift their focus back to patient care and trust the judicial process, leaving matters of justice in the hands of the Supreme Court.
The President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) called on doctors to refocus on patient care, entrusting the justice process to the Supreme Court of India in the wake of the protests surrounding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
In a letter, the IMA stated,
“The sacrifice of the young Postgraduate resident of RG Kar has moved the conscience of the nation. The anger and frustration of the entire nation are equally on the fact that she happened to be a budding doctor as well as that she was the only girl child of lower-middle-class parents. The entire nation has adopted her as their daughter.”
The IMA President highlighted the Supreme Court’s intervention, noting that the court had responded swiftly and formed a National Task Force.
The letter emphasized,
“The Honourable Court has said to the doctors ‘Trust us. Justice and medicine shouldn’t stop’. The Highest Court has spoken,”
The President urged the medical community to heed the court’s guidance, stating,
“Patient care and safety is the prime concern of the medical profession. All doctors of modern medicine should return to patient care leaving justice to the Honourable Supreme Court of India.”
Protests erupted in several states, with healthcare professionals demanding justice and better security. The case, initially handled by local authorities, has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
The incident also ignited political tension, with the BJP calling for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Kolkata rape-murder case, involving the brutal assault and killing of a 32-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024, triggered nationwide outrage and protests. The victim was found dead in a hospital seminar room, sparking immediate suspicion of foul play. The post-mortem confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted and suffered grievous injuries. Investigators suspect gang rape, as the autopsy revealed a significant amount of semen and evidence of multiple perpetrators involved.
The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, arrested and charged with rape and murder. The investigation also expanded to include potential involvement of others, with a focus on hospital staff, given delays and mishandling of initial reports. Protests by junior doctors escalated as they demanded a thorough and fair investigation, accusing authorities of negligence and suppression of evidence. The case has since been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following public and legal pressure.
This tragic incident has fuelled widespread protests, particularly among the medical community, leading to strikes in hospitals across India. It has also prompted calls for stricter laws to protect healthcare workers and improve safety measures at medical facilities.