“Cry of the Hour…”: Protesting Doctors of RG Kar Unveil Bust of Slain Colleague, Spark Social Media Backlash

Kolkata: The protesting junior doctors of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have unveiled a statue commemorating the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered on the premises of the institution on August 9. The statue, created by artist Asit Sain and titled "Cry of the Hour," aims to encapsulate the pain and trauma faced by the victim. The fiberglass bust has been placed in front of the principal’s office.

The sculpture depicts a woman's bust in a screaming pose, representing the pain and torture experienced by the victim. One junior doctor remarked, “She was our colleague…She is in our heart, but this installation will ensure no one ever forgets her,” said a protesting junior doctor. However, the installation has stoked a massive social media debate, with many labeling it as disrespectful and tone-deaf. One user questioned, “Why would you ever create a statue like this based on a rape victim?” Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing outrage that a woman's legacy would be tied to such pain. While some supporters believe the statue serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's safety others have condemned it as “disgusting” and “disrespectful” to the victim’s memory.

“The installation of this statue in the name of Tilottama is against the spirit of the Supreme Court pronouncement. No responsible person can do that not even in the name of art. There will be protests and demands for justice. But the statue with the girl's face of pain is not right. There are guidelines in the country called Nigrahita's pictures, idols, etc,” said Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh.

Another user said that the statue installed is “extremely disgusting and disrespectful.” “This is extremely disgusting and disrespectful. Letting the Criminals walk free without any remorse and allegations on 1 hand And putting this disgusting statue up on the other? 'Cry of the hour' my foot!” posted a “X” handled named DrHumorless.

The statue was unveiled on the day of ‘Mahalaya’, a day that leads to the Durga Puja festivities and marks the beginning of the ‘Devi Paksha’. It also coincided with a protest march by junior doctors demanding justice for their murdered colleague. On Tuesday, doctors protesting resumed their 'indefinite' strike, reiterating their demands for improved safety measures in hospitals and clinics across the state. They expressed frustration over the slow pace of the CBI investigation, stating, “We have seen many times before... CBI has been unable to reach conclusions and allows real culprits to go free due to delays.”