No Closure, Stables Need Cleansing: R G Kar Case Nears Conclusion, But Questions Remain
No Closure, Stables Need Cleansing: R G Kar Case Nears Conclusion, But Questions Remain
The perception among many in Calcutta, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, remains that the Kolkata Police's actions immediately after the discovery of the doctor's body at R G Kar hospital on the morning of August 9 were marked by suspicion.
R G Kar Rape and Murder Case: A Verdict, But No Closure
Finally, a verdict has been delivered in the rape and murder case of the R G Kar junior doctor. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10, a day after the crime, and has now been found guilty, as many had anticipated. The Sealdah court, which pronounced the verdict on Saturday, concluded the trial within 68 days, starting November 11. The quantum of punishment will be announced on Monday, with the minimum sentence being life imprisonment and the maximum being the death penalty.
The verdict has elicited predictable reactions. The medical fraternity, especially junior doctors who spearheaded protests from August to October, remains skeptical that Roy acted alone. Many allege involvement by individuals with political connections. The Opposition BJP has accused Kolkata Police of destroying evidence to shield others, while the ruling Trinamool Congress has lauded the police for their quick arrest of Roy. Roy, for his part, claims he has been framed by an IPS officer. The judge has allowed him to make his statement on Monday.
Meanwhile, the CBI, which has been silent so far, hinted at ongoing investigations, with a supplementary chargesheet potentially forthcoming. Their separate corruption case against Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R G Kar Medical College, is also ongoing.
Unanswered Questions and Allegations
Despite the conviction, key questions remain. Allegations of poor handling by the Kolkata Police in the aftermath of the crime still linger. For example:
Why wasn’t the crime scene secured?
Why weren’t the victim’s parents allowed to see her body immediately?
Why wasn’t the post-mortem conducted outside R G Kar?
Why was there a delay in filing the FIR?
There’s also controversy over the police’s alleged offer of money to the victim’s family and the arrest of the Tala police station officer in charge, who is accused of tampering with the investigation. Although released on bail, his involvement adds to public distrust.
The August 14 mob attack during the “Reclaim the Night” protest highlighted public anger. The police's handling of the protests and their failure to prevent evidence destruction raised suspicions about their role.
Systemic Failures and Corruption
This crime underscores the deeper rot within Bengal’s healthcare system. Doctors’ allegations about poor working conditions and corruption in government hospitals are stark realities. Syndicates controlled by political middlemen, often in collusion with unethical doctors, have eroded the system.
Sanjay Roy’s actions, though heinous, were facilitated by the institutional decay at R G Kar, especially during Sandip Ghosh’s tenure as principal. Ghosh’s reinstatement at another college hours after resigning from R G Kar, allegedly backed by the state health department, is a glaring example of systemic failures. It took a court order and CBI arrest to suspend him, but accountability remains elusive.
The Role of Leadership
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has held charge of both the health and police departments since 2011. The health department’s inefficiency and questionable decisions, such as reinstating Ghosh, point to a lack of oversight.
While the government has attempted to address some issues raised by protesting doctors, the systemic rot remains. The tragedy of August 9 revealed the dire need for fundamental reforms. Cosmetic changes won’t suffice.
Mamata Banerjee, a seasoned political leader, must recognize the distinction between governance and leadership. As Bengal approaches elections, the public’s dissatisfaction with systemic failures, especially in healthcare, cannot be ignored. While the verdict in this case may offer a semblance of justice, the broader issues of corruption and inefficiency demand urgent attention.
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