Kolkata Protests Over RG Kar Medical College Rape-Murder Incident
Sculptors of Kumartuli and various groups in Kolkata held protests on Sunday over the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9.
In Tollygunge, artists and technicians from the Bengali film industry marched to demand justice. In Siliguri, medical professionals, activists, and local citizens formed a human chain. The protests have been ongoing for nearly a month, with people from different walks of life participating.
Dr. Tapas Pramanik, who was on duty at the hospital on August 9, expressed hope for a transparent investigation leading to capital punishment. The incident has caused political tensions, with the BJP demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The victim’s family accused the Kolkata Police of offering them money while they were grieving. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, has been arrested. On September 2, the CBI arrested Dr. Sandip Ghosh and three others for alleged corruption at the hospital. The next hearing is on September 10.
Amid the protests, the West Bengal Assembly passed the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,’ introducing the death penalty or life-long imprisonment for rape. The bill is now under consideration by President Droupadi Murmu.
Doubts Revealed
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, known for its culture, history, and festivals. It is the capital of the state of West Bengal.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a well-known medical school and hospital in Kolkata where people go to study to become doctors and also to get treated when they are sick.
Kumartuli -: Kumartuli is a famous area in Kolkata where artists make beautiful clay idols, especially for festivals like Durga Puja.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. They have many members and leaders who work in the government.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which means she is the head of the government in that state. She makes important decisions for the people living there.
West Bengal Assembly -: The West Bengal Assembly is a group of elected people who make laws and decisions for the state of West Bengal. They discuss and vote on important issues.
President -: The President of India is the head of the country. The President has the power to approve or reject important laws passed by the assemblies of different states.
