A woman trainee doctor was assaulted and threatened with rape while performing her duty at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Medical College and Hospital in Uluberia, Howrah district, on Monday evening. Police have arrested three accused in connection with the case, Sheikh Babulal, a home guard attached to the Uluberia Traffic Police, Habibur Rahman, and Sheikh Samrat.
According to officials, Sheikh Babulal, who was a temporary home guard, has been suspended from service following the grave allegations. All three accused have been remanded in three days’ police custody as the investigation continues.
Doctor Threatened and Assaulted
The incident occurred during a routine check-up of a pregnant woman, when the doctor reportedly could not proceed with a full physical examination due to medical complications. Babulal, who was accompanying the patient, became aggressive and began questioning the doctor’s competence.
An argument ensued, escalating into physical violence. The doctor was allegedly slapped, her arm twisted, and subjected to verbal abuse. One of the accused also claimed to be a senior police officer and political leader, threatening her with dire consequences, including rape threats.
The ward master immediately alerted the hospital police outpost. Officers arrived on the scene, and the injured doctor later filed a formal complaint at Uluberia police station, leading to the arrests.
Echoes of Past Crimes Against Women Doctors
This latest incident comes amid growing concern over the safety of medical professionals in West Bengal, particularly after the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. The heinous crime had triggered nationwide outrage, leading to calls for improved security measures for healthcare workers.
However, doctors’ associations allege that little has changed on the ground. “Hospitals in West Bengal have turned into unsafe war zones where doctors, nurses, and staff serve under constant fear,” said a spokesperson from the West Bengal Doctors Forum, condemning the Uluberia assault as “a symptom of lawlessness that has gripped the healthcare system.”
BJP Slams TMC Government, Calls Mamata ‘Anti-Women’
The incident quickly escalated into a political confrontation, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation.
In a statement posted on X, the BJP West Bengal unit said, “Mahila Birodhi (Anti-women) Mamata has appointed such goons and criminals in the police force that they themselves are threatening women with rape! No woman is spared — be they doctors or students! All this while Mamata tells women to stay indoors after 8pm! No wonder Bengali women simply want Mamata to leave!”
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also lashed out at the state administration, accusing the Chief Minister of “shameless negligence” toward women’s safety.
“No matter how much the failed Chief Minister @MamataOfficial tries to shirk responsibility, she and her incompetent, exposed police administration are squarely to blame. Under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, women in Bengal are terrifyingly unsafe,” Majumdar posted on X.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari announced a protest rally in front of the Superintendent of Police’s office in Uluberia, demanding the suspension of senior police officials and justice for the assaulted doctor.
TMC Responds, Health Dept Orders Probe
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed BJP’s allegations as an attempt to politicize a sensitive matter. Party MLA and West Bengal Medical Cell chairman Dr. Nirmal Majhi, who visited the hospital, admitted that security lapses contributed to the incident and assured that the state government will ensure “zero tolerance” for such assaults.
“The department is closely monitoring the case. We have sought a detailed report from the hospital authorities. Security measures across state hospitals will be strengthened,” said a senior official from the Health Department.
A West Bengal Police spokesperson confirmed that all three accused are in custody and that a case of criminal intimidation, assault, and sexual harassment has been registered. “We will ensure the strictest legal action against those found guilty,” the statement added.
Doctors’ Protests and Calls for Reform
Following the assault, junior doctors at Uluberia and several medical institutions across Bengal staged solidarity demonstrations, demanding stronger protection for healthcare professionals. Protesters have called for:
24×7 police deployment at hospitals,
Fast-track trials for attacks on medical workers, and
Stricter laws to classify such crimes as non-bailable offenses.
Medical unions warned that continued assaults could lead to widespread strikes, potentially paralysing the healthcare system in the state.
Public Outrage Over Pattern of Violence
Public anger has also surged over what many call a “pattern of impunity” in Bengal. Over the past year, the state has witnessed multiple cases of sexual assault and intimidation of women doctors, students, and professionals, sparking debates over the safety of women under the TMC government.
While the BJP accuses the ruling party of appeasement and administrative collapse, the TMC insists that such incidents are isolated and are being used to “vitiate the atmosphere” for political mileage.
Situation Under Watch
Police officials said that the situation in Uluberia remains tense but under control, with additional forces deployed around the hospital to prevent further unrest. The investigation team is verifying CCTV footage and collecting statements from hospital staff and eyewitnesses.
As the probe continues, the case has once again ignited a wider debate on women’s safety and law enforcement accountability in West Bengal’s public institutions.
