NEW DELHI: 297 eminent citizens calls for Justice for a young doctor, who was brutally raped and murder at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata.
In the letter signed by a group of prominent former judges, bureaucrats, and armed forces officers, the signatories stated, “The administration, including the police, has failed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to women and doctors’ well-being, and their actions have raised serious concerns about their impartiality.” The letter emphasized that this case is not isolated but part of a disturbing pattern of violence and lawlessness in West Bengal.
The heinous crime in Kolkata, initially misclassified as a suicide, has highlighted serious flaws in the investigation and raised concerns about the local administration’s impartiality. A rushed arrest has cast doubt on the investigation’s thoroughness, while construction work began just 20 meters from the crime scene within 24 hours, potentially compromising evidence. These actions have led to allegations of negligence and misgovernance.
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The Calcutta High Court’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI was seen as crucial for a more rigorous investigation. However, the delayed handover has likely compromised evidence and allowed the real perpetrators time to evade capture.
As doctors engaged in peaceful protests to demand justice, they were met with violent attacks by a mob, with the Kolkata Police allegedly standing by as “silent spectators.” The letter from the signatories criticized the state’s apparent inclination to protect perpetrators rather than victims, calling it a “grave miscarriage of justice.”
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The letter also highlights the broader issue of systemic violence in West Bengal, urging immediate corrective measures. “This is not an isolated event in West Bengal. The law-and-order situation in the state needs serious introspection,” the letter warned.
The signatories made several recommendations, including increasing security for doctors on night duty, improving infrastructure for female doctors, and conducting thorough investigations into the roles of administrative heads in ensuring staff safety. They also stressed the need for societal change to uphold gender equality and family values.
The letter concludes with a powerful demand: “We demand a safer, more just society for all women. We demand the State authorities of West Bengal to provide justice to our sister.”
The prominent signatories include former Chief Justices, High Court judges, IAS and IPS officers, and military veterans, underscoring the widespread demand for immediate and decisive action from the state government.