A tragic incident occurred within the premises of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata (West Bengal) on August 9, when a trainee doctor, Dr Moumita Debnath, was raped and murdered in a manner most brutal. Her colleagues reported her missing early next morning, and by 11:30am her body was discovered in the seminar room. The body was in a semi-nude state, with visible signs of violence – bleeding seen from her eyes, mouth, and reproductive organs. The autopsy confirmed that Dr Debnath was raped and sexually assaulted before she was strangulated to death. The four-page autopsy report detailed severe injuries, including a deep wound in her reproductive tract, and multiple injuries to her lips, left leg, right hand, ring finger, neck, and face. There were scratch marks on her face, most likely caused by the assailant’s fingernails. The autopsy also indicated that pressure had been applied to her mouth and throat, which led to a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. Additionally, the bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts was attributed to “perverted sexuality” and extreme violence to her reproductive organs.
Society has understandably exploded at this tragic incident. A young woman, educated and professionally qualified, Dr Debnath is a common person of Bharat. She was an intelligent, empathetic doctor, performing her duties with sincerity and perseverance. Her parents, again the common citizens of Bharat, are ‘unconnected, unnetworked and unprivileged’. There is a Moumita in each of our houses too – in our daughters who are educated, hard-working, sincere and empathetic. Hence, it is very difficult to ignore the horrible death of this daughter and the torture her parents are facing. Here, as common people, we must not only introspect on the events that led to this unfortunate and gruesome torture and death as also the call for a change in the legal and societal structure. But before that, let’s understand the issues that our society is riddled with.
There are five main issues, the first being the complete takeover of various institutions by the political elite in the State, which leads to the vice grip of corruption and lack of accountability, as also seen in the R G Kar Medical college. The second big issue is the lack of women’s safety in institutions – despite available policy instruments, implementation regarding women’s safety is severely lacking. Third, society has to accept that more and more girls will get educated, step out of the house to work, and their safety, security and professional progress cannot be incumbent upon single individuals in positions of power. Fourth, women stepping out of the house for educational and professional purposes will need to work with men to create sensitivity and empathy for women. And lastly, we have to stand up against the rampant porn culture and open encouragement to liquor consumption.
Political Subversion of State Institutions
The political culture in West Bengal has long been marred by the subversion of institutions by ruling parties, Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) in this case. But the situation was no different when the Left Front ruled the state.
As of now, TMC’s writ rules over all institutions, be they educational organisations or State agencies like the Police and the Courts. This has hampered the functioning of all these institutions, and even led to the rise of a unique political culture in the state, at the centre of which lies a vicious extortion racket manned and operated by the TMC. There is a local leader at the centre of this nexus. This leader is catapulted to key positions. From him emanates a web.
The modus operandi of the TMC is to retain power by the use of brute force. Any one opposing them is bracketed as political opponent, and political opponents are debilitated either by causing physical harm, or by hitting at their psychological well-being and economic resources. State agencies are unleashed upon political opponents, and rape is used as a weapon. Women are singled out for the most horrific terror and intimidation.
RG Kar Medical College is one of the most glaring examples of the involvement of political figures and their associates in key positions within academic and administrative institutions. From the appointment of directors and heads of departments to the suppression of ongoing exploitation, these practices reveal the extent to which democratic processes have been compromised. Reports suggest that those affiliated with the ruling TMC are involved in an exploitation nexus within the college, indicating to a larger malice that ails the system. The situation is particularly dire for women, and members of marginalised communities and weaker sections of society.
Stringent Implementation of Women’s Safety Laws
The events that unfolded during the last West Bengal Assembly election (in 2021) highlight the State’s deteriorating political culture. There was rampant use of rape as a political tool, violence, intimidation, and electoral malpractices. Political rivals were murdered with impunity, and again the worst-hit were women and children belonging to Scheduled Castes. The only way out is to establish a direct connect with national institutions that help in provision of relief. The first and most important legal innovation in such States has to be a central portal where the aggrieved can register their complaints. This has to be linked to the relevant national body and the office of the Governor. Had such an arrangement existed, previous murders and consistent exploitation of students by the now removed Principal, Sandip Ghosh, and other malpractices attributable to him would have come to light and action would have been taken against Ghosh.
Girls and women in Bharat are responding to the facilities for education and professional development being provided to them through constitutional and legislative provisions. Policies like Vishakha provisions are applicable to the workplace. However, there exists a critical gap between the legislation designed to protect professionals, such as doctors, and the actual implementation of these laws. Bharat has enacted several laws intended to protect professionals from various forms of abuse, including physical intimidation, mental harassment, and exploitation. The Prevention of Violence Against Doctors and Medical Professionals Act has been implemented in many States to protect medical professionals from violence. However, proper enforcement is lacking, leading to continued incidents of violence against healthcare workers.
The Prevention of Ragging Act of 1997, was enacted to curb the menace of ragging in educational institutions. But, ragging still continues to be a significant issue in many institutions. Similarly, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is designed to protect women from sexual harassment in the workplace. While it is a critical piece of legislation, its effectiveness is often undermined by the lack of awareness and inadequate implementation.
The root cause of the ineffective implementation of these laws is the deep-seated societal acceptance of oppression. In fact, in many parts of the country, exploitation of weak is considered a normal thing! Often when a person complaints of harassment, he/ she is told to “toughen up”, which not only trivialises the suffering of the victim but also perpetuates a culture where abuse is tolerated, even expected. It is not just a societal failure but a failure of the institutions to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
In the professional world, particularly in hospitals, doctors and other staffers work under immense pressure, the nature of job being such. The lack of secure resting places, inadequate support systems, and the constant threat of violence make the workplace environment hostile for youngsters. What legal and societal measures can be taken? Well, the head of institution should be held accountable for implementation of existing laws. A system of mandated feedback should also be incorporated within the law.
There should be ‘zero tolerance’ towards ragging, harassment, and any form of intimidation. No senior should have the right to exploit a junior, mentally or physically. The culture of hierarchy and power imbalance in professional institutions must be dismantled to create a more equitable and safe working environment. Institutions must actively educate their members about the laws of land and the consequences of violating them. Awareness campaigns should be undertaken to change the culture of acceptance of oppression. Law enforcement agencies and institutional authorities must be held accountable for the enforcement of these laws. This requires a clear and robust mechanism for reporting and addressing violations. Professional and educational institutions must establish secure resting places, counselling services, and other support systems to protect the well-being of their people. And above all, women must not be shamed for coming out of the confines of their homes for studying and working. Rather, they should be encouraged and respected.
Creation of Safe Spaces for Women
In Bharat, as an increasing number of women step out of their homes to work, in the same conditions as men, it is imperative that they are respected and provided with safe environments. They definitely deserve protection and support, be it urban or rural setting. Women need to collaborate with men to bring about this cultural shift.
The feminist response to incidents like the one at RG Kar Medical College, which claims that “all men are rapists,” sparks a meninist backlash, where some men respond with hostility towards women, particularly those who are independent and strong. Such polarisation creates an unnecessary conflict, burying the real issue –of ensuring safe and respectful working environments for all – deep down. The last thing we need is this war between women and men. The focus should be on building alliances between men and women who are willing to work towards creating safe and equitable spaces. There is a need to sensitise men about the challenges women face and to involve them as partners in the fight against harassment and discrimination.
A woman stepping out of the house to earn an honest living does so for a variety of reasons. Many women work for economic reasons – to improve the socio-economic profile of their family. For them, dressing efficiently is a basic necessity. A woman must not be judged for the way she dresses. What a woman wears has no connection with her morality. For working women, campaigns like ‘reclaiming the night’ or tea stalls or pubs and alcohol shops are irrelevant. What they need is safety in travel and work.
Changing the societal mindset is not a task that can be achieved by women alone. It requires an equal and active participation of men who understand and support the need of women’s safety. By working together, women and men can create a culture where respect and safety are fundamental rights, not privileges, and where the contributions of women are valued equally.
In this battle for safe spaces, it is essential to distance ourselves from divisive rhetoric and focus on constructive collaboration. Let’s not forget that several men are protesting against what happened to Dr Debnath, demanding justice for her while the State Chief Minister, a woman, and her party, which has many strong women MPs, is consistently trying to deflect, obfuscate and openly hamper justice.
Porn & Liquor Culture
Recent reports of a thriving porn ring and associated murders at RG Kar Medical College, along with rampant alcoholism, highlight a deeply concerning issue within educational and professional institutions. Normalising behaviours that undermine the moral and ethical fabric of society doesn’t bode well for its health. Alcohol, often referred to as the most legitimised drug in the world, has devastating effects, especially in India, where women have historically borne the brunt of its consequences. In the past, Indian women have led significant social movements against drinking, recognising the negative impact it has on families and communities. However, today’s society seems to have forgotten those lessons – educational and professional institutions are increasingly allowing alcohol consumption within their campuses. This is moral decay, nothing else!
Downplaying the horrific incident
Despite the discovery of the junior doctor’s half-naked body in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College, there was a desperate attempt to downplay the horrific event as a suicdide. The victim, whose body was discovered with signs of multiple injuries, was initially reported to have taken her own life by hospital officials. However, a subsequent autopsy revealed that she had been raped by more than one person, and murdered brutally. Sixteen external and nine internal injury marks, death due to manual strangulation and smothering, and forceful penetration—these are among the grim findings of the post-mortem report of the junior doctor.
Cremation in a Haste
The parents of the victim were made to wait for three hours to see her body. She alleged that she was made to wait for over three hours at the hospital to see their daughter’s body. The victim’s mother even accused the Kolkata Police of typing to” close the investigation as fast as possible” and not cooperating with the family. It was even pointed out by protesting doctors and opposition parties that the Kolkata Police did not even initiate a proper investigation. The victim’s body was hastily cremated even while the investigation was under way. .
Negligence in Investigation
Police initially informed the victim’s parents that she had taken her own life, only to later reveal that she had been raped and murdered. The gross mismanagement of information and the subsequent cover-up attempts raised serious questions about the police’s credibility and commitment to justice.
Renovation near RG KAR crime scene
Shortly after the brutal incident in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College, and amid the intense protests outside, masonry work inexplicably began near the crime scene. A portion of the wall in the bathroom adjacent to the seminar hall was being broken down. Naturally, suspicions of an attempt to destroy evidence were raised.
RG KAR’S principle promoted
Sandip Ghosh, who was accused of initially attempting to cover up the incident by labelling it a suicide, was not subjected to disciplinary action. Instead, he was transferred to the prestigious Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, hours after his resignation.
Mismanagement of Protests
From the outset, fellow doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital suspected foul play and immediately began protesting. Despite the protests, the state government accused the doctors of causing public distress by going on strike. Instead of addressing the long-standing grievances about women’s safety, safe work environments and showing sensitivity, the West Bengal government exerted implicit pressure on the doctors to return to duty immediately.
Vandalism at RG Kar by TMC goons
Days after the rape and murder, as men and women across Kolkata took to the streets in protest under the “Meyera Raat Dokhol Koro” (Reclaim the Night) movement, a peaceful gathering on the night of August 14 descended into chaos. The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was vandalised. People alleged that the vandalism was carried out by “TMC goons”, who sought to tamper with the crime scene.
Blaming Media and arresting social media Activist
The protests, which could have led to corrective measures by the state government and Kolkata Police, instead resulted in a response that many viewed as repressive. A total of 280 people from West Bengal and beyond were issued notices, and a 23-year-old student from the state was arrested in connection with the protests
Mamata Protested against Mamata
As outrage over the Kolkata rape-murder intensified and the case was transferred to the CBI, CM Mamata Banerjee took to the streets herself. She demanded the death penalty for the culprits involved in the incident—a case that was already tainted by allegations of negligence of the Kolkata Police. The irony lies in the fact that the Kolkata Police falls under the Home Ministry, which is directly overseen by CM Mamata Banerjee herself.
The presence of pornographic content within such institutions is equally alarming. Pornography, particularly when distributed or consumed in academic or professional settings, can lead to exploitation, degradation, and erosion of ethical standards. It contributes to a toxic environment where respect for individuals, especially women, is severely compromised. The existence of a porn ring at a medical college, a place where future doctors are trained to care for and protect life, is a grim reflection of how deep the rot has set in. Educational and professional organisations should be out of bounds for liquor and pornography. It will not only protect the integrity of these institutions but also safeguard the well-being of the individuals within them.
Education is the key to change societal attitudes. People need to be informed about the dangers of alcohol and pornography, and the long-term damage they can cause to individuals and society as a whole. This involves not just enforcing rules but also fostering a culture that values sobriety, respect, and ethical behaviour. Educational campaigns, strict enforcement of no-alcohol and no-porn policies, and the active involvement of faculty, administration, and students in promoting a healthy environment are essential steps in this direction.
Women, who have historically led the fight against alcohol abuse, must hold the reins of this movement. Their leadership is crucial to mobilising communities to demand safer, and more respectful environments. This is the only wat we can create institutions that truly reflect the values of dignity, respect, and integrity.
Cry Beloved Country
As a response to the murder of Dr Debnath, sex workers of Sonagachi, Kolkata’s Red-Light area issued a statement. The plea from the sex workers of Sonagachi, urging men to use their bodies to satisfy lust and to leave their working sisters alone is poignant reflection of the moral crisis facing our nation. When those who have long been marginalised and dehumanised rise to defend the rights of their fellow women, our nation should hang its head in shame, and recognise the urgency for change.
This plea is particularly poignant because it comes from individuals who, despite enduring exploitation and societal stigma, recognise the importance of protecting women who are striving to build better lives through education and work. Their message—”come and use us, but don’t rape our sisters who are studying and working”— speaks about the core of human dignity that should be extended to every woman, regardless of her circumstances. So horrible is the rape and murder of Dr Debnath that one is forced to ask why this cry for justice has not arisen from women across the nation, irrespective of their party affiliations? Why are empowered women still toeing their party lines? This moment demands that we reflect as to how this culture of violence and disrespect has gone on un-interrupted, as also steps we are willing to take to uproot it.
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