NCW Report Highlights Serious Lapses in Rape and Murder Case at Kolkata RG Kar Medical College and Hospital

The preliminary report published by the National Commission for Women (NCW) regarding the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has highlighted issues, including security lapses, inadequate infrastructure, and mishandling of the case. The report revealed that the crime scene, where the assault and murder took place, is currently undergoing renovation, leading to “potential tampering” with the evidence. The NCW stressed that the Kolkata Police should have sealed the crime scene immediately after the incident. The Kolkata Police has maintained that the crime scene remains intact and that no evidence has been compromised ever since the crime was reported and even after a violent mob attack on the premises in the early hours of August 15. The NCW had taken suo-motu cognizance of the case and launched its investigation.

The NCW’s inquiry committee has outlined several key findings, it revealed that no security guards were present at the hospital when the incident occurred. Interns, doctors, and nurses were left without protection during night shifts.

The NCW panel reported that the crime scene underwent sudden renovations, raising concerns that this could have led to tampering with evidence. The commission stated that the Kolkata Police should have sealed the crime scene immediately after the incident, a measure they allege was not taken. In response, the Kolkata Police have asserted that the crime scene was properly sealed and that no evidence has been compromised, despite a violent mob attack on the hospital on August 15. "The crime scene is the seminar room and it has not been touched. Do not spread unverified news. We will take legal action against those spreading rumors," the Kolkata Police stated following the attack.

Further, the report highlighted that the hospital lacked basic amenities for women medical staff, including poorly maintained washrooms, inadequate lighting, and a complete absence of security measures on the premises. In addition, the NCW expressed serious concerns about the investigation, noting that the questioning of former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who resigned following the incident, remains incomplete.

In response to media reports, the NCW initiated its inquiry into the case and addressed a letter to the Commissioner of Kolkata Police on August 10, demanding immediate and thorough action. The commission arrived in Kolkata on August 12 to rigorously examine the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s death. To ensure a swift and comprehensive investigation, the NCW formed a two-member inquiry committee consisting of NCW member Delina Khondgup and Advocate Soma Chaudhary from the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since taken over the case following a directive from the Calcutta High Court. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer from the welfare section, was arrested by the Kolkata Police and is now in CBI custody. The doctor’s body was discovered on August 9 in a semi-naked state in a seminar hall where she had gone to rest after dinner with colleagues. The autopsy revealed multiple severe injuries inflicted before she was smothered to death.