In a recent development, the West Bengal government has issued a series of transfer orders for faculty members across various medical colleges, a move that has drawn significant controversy and criticism. These transfers appear to be linked to the ongoing protests and calls for justice following the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
According to official notifications dated August 16, 2024, the Governor of West Bengal has sanctioned several key appointments and transfers within the West Bengal Medical Education Service (WB-MES).
What does the circular say?
The details of some of the doctors as per the notifications are as follows:
1. Dr. Pranita Taraphdar: Currently a Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Burdwan Medical College, Purba Bardhaman, has been appointed to act as Professor in the same department at Jhargram Government Medical College & Hospital, Jhargram. This transfer is effective from the date she joins her new position.
2. Dr. Tanay Mohanta: Serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at MJN Government Medical College & Hospital, Coochbehar, has been moved to the role of Associate Professor at IPGME&R, Kolkata. This transfer is also effective from the date he assumes his new position.
3. Dr. Somnath Bhunia: Currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at NRS Medical College, Kolkata, will be moving to Jalpaiguri Government Medical College & Hospital, Jalpaiguri.
4. Dr. Aniruddha Sengupta: A Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at Medical College, Kolkata, has been appointed to the same position at Tamralipto Government Medical College & Hospital, Tamluk.
5. Dr. Kanchan Kumar Sabui: Serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at Medical College, Kolkata, is being transferred to MJN Government Medical College & Hospital, Coochbehar.
Protest against unjust transfer
The transfer orders have been met with strong opposition from the medical community. The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) has condemned these actions as punitive measures aimed at silencing those who have been vocal in their support of the victim and critical of the state’s response. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the UDFA expressed their outrage: “We strongly condemn @MamataOfficial and @BengalGovernor for the unjust transfer of faculty members who supported our protest. These punitive measures will not silence our demands for justice and security. We stand united and resolute in our fight.”
We strongly condemns @MamataOfficial @BengalGovernor unjust transfer of faculty members who supported our protest.These punitive measures will not silence our demands for justice and security.We stand united and resolute in our fight.@ANI @PTI_News @HMOIndia @PMOIndia @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/Ueklz8P7pb
— UNITED DOCTORS FRONT ASSOCIATION (@udfaindia) August 16, 2024
The transfers follow intense protests by students and faculty at RG Kar Medical College and other institutions, which have been demanding justice for the victim and better safety measures for medical professionals. The brutal incident at RG Kar Hospital has sparked nationwide outrage, leading to widespread demonstrations and calls for accountability.
The timing and nature of these transfers have raised concerns about the government’s intentions and the potential impact on the ongoing struggle for justice. As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how the state will address the demands of the medical community and ensure the safety and rights of those who stand against such egregious crimes.
10 FIRs, 35 Cases and 300 Notices
Since the evening of August 15, the Kolkata police have launched an extensive “crackdown” on individuals posting about the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital. In their effort to combat what they term “misinformation,” the police have filed 10 FIRs, initiated cases against 35 people, and issued notices to over 300 individuals.
The FIRs include charges related to criminal conspiracy, violations under the IT Act, and other cognisable offences. Among those targeted are journalists, politicians, doctors, and social media users. The allegations involve the dissemination of incorrect information, misleading videos, voice notes, and claims related to the case.
One notable case involves author and activist Shefali Vaidya, who received a notice from the Kolkata police for questioning their inaction and the lawlessness under the ruling TMC government.
Request – Please read through and RT for you agree.
So I got this threatening letter from @KolkataPolice for merely asking a few questions and for exercising my right of free speech.
This is a clear case of @MamataOfficial administration silencing the voice of private citizens… pic.twitter.com/SiM6fTORFa
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) August 16, 2024
Similarly, a trainee doctor who posted about threats she and her family received since sharing details about the case alleged that the police forced her to delete certain posts.
Rape of Trainee Doctor
The postmortem report of the 32-year-old trainee doctor revealed she was brutally tortured before being suffocated to death. The four-page report detailed “perverted sexuality” and “genital torture,” with serious injuries to her private parts and a shattered thyroid cartilage. The rape and murder are believed to have occurred between 3 and 5 am on August 9. Her injuries included cuts on her hands and face, and shards of glass from her broken spectacles were found in her eyes.
The autopsy confirmed sexual assault and a civic volunteer named Sanjoy Roy has been arrested and confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court.
