The autopsy report of the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor from Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital has revealed disturbing details of her brutal rape and murder, confirming the horrifying nature of the crime.
According to an India Today report, the victim sustained more than 14 injuries on her body, including severe trauma to her head, face, neck, arms, and genitals, highlighting the brutality of the assault. The cause of death was determined to be manual strangulation with smothering, and the autopsy revealed clear signs of sexual assault, including evidence of forceful penetration.
A white, thick, viscid liquid was discovered inside the victim’s genitalia, further confirming the assault. The autopsy also revealed severe injuries to her nose, right jaw, left arm, and shoulder, suggesting a violent struggle before she was overpowered. Additional findings included hemorrhaging in the lungs and the presence of blood clots, indicating extreme physical trauma.
The report also confirmed that the cause of death was officially ruled as homicide. The incident has ignited nationwide outrage, resulting in protests and disruptions in healthcare services, especially in West Bengal and Delhi. Junior doctors across various states have gone on strike, demanding justice for the victim and improved security measures for healthcare workers.
The Supreme Court of India on Sunday took taken suo motu cognizance of the case, scheduling a hearing on August 20. A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud will address the matter, titled “In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and related issue.”
As the investigation progresses, former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, has been questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding his phone calls before and after the incident. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have summoned TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, and two renowned doctors, Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Subarna Goswami, for allegedly spreading rumors and disclosing the identity of the victim.
The victim’s grieving parents have accused the West Bengal government of trying to stifle public outcry. They have also raised concerns about the handling of their daughter’s body, claiming inconsistencies in its condition compared to when it was discovered at the crime scene.
The incident has sparked widespread protests, with junior doctors in West Bengal continuing their strike for the tenth consecutive day. In Delhi, resident doctors at several government hospitals have also extended their strike, calling for a central law to protect healthcare workers. In response to the outcry, the West Bengal government has announced new measures to improve safety for women in workplaces, especially in state-run hospitals, including the establishment of CCTV-monitored ‘safe zones.’
The Union Home Ministry has instructed state police forces to closely monitor the law and order situation, requiring situation reports every two hours amid the ongoing protests. As the investigation progresses, the nation remains deeply affected by the brutality of the crime, with increasing demands for justice and enhanced safety measures for healthcare professionals.