On August 9, 2024, a postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was raped and then murdered. A detailed post-mortem report obtained by Aajtak reveals the brutalities suffered by the victim. There were more than 14 injury marks found on her body. No fractures were detected.
Injury marks were found on the head, both cheeks, lips (inner and outer), nose, right jaw, chin, neck (near and above the epiglottis), left arm, shoulder, knees, ankles, and private part. The external and internal genital mass weighed 151 grams. The post-mortem report explained that there were blood clots in several body parts along with pulmonary hemorrhage. Viscera, blood, and other collected samples have been sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The post-mortem report stated that all injuries on the body and private part of the victim occurred before her death. Based on the report, the medical officer confirmed that she died due to strangulation with both hands. Medical evidence of forceful penetration in her private part was found. The PM report also mentioned the possibility of the female doctor's sexual assault.
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The Supreme Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of the Kolkata Case
The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the Kolkata incident. On August 20, the bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra will hear the case. Although it is listed as the 66th case on the ledger for Tuesday's hearing, the bench has specified that it will prioritize this case. Amid nationwide outrage and doctors' strikes, a petition was filed before the Supreme Court on August 17, urging the court to take suo moto cognizance of the brutality faced by the postgraduate trainee doctor.
Read More: Supreme Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of the Kolkata Incident, Three-Judge Bench to Hear the Case
Doctors' Strike at Delhi AIIMS Continues
Meanwhile, outrage persists among doctors and medical staff in hospitals across the nation. Resident doctors at Delhi AIIMS have announced that their strike will continue. AIIMS RDA also announced that they will provide nearly 36 types of free alternative OPD services to patients from 11 am at Nirman Bhavan. Resident doctors at Delhi AIIMS have been on an indefinite strike since August 12, suspending all elective and non-emergency services in protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Read More: 70 Padma Award-Winning Doctors Write to PM Modi, Demand Justice for the Kolkata Rape Victim
Letter from Padma Award-Winning Doctors to the President
The protesting doctors are demanding justice for the victim and a Medical Personnel Protection Act. AIIMS RDA has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging intervention to create a central law via ordinance for the safety of healthcare workers and institutions nationwide. Following the Kolkata incident, a group of Padma award-winning doctors has appealed to President Droupadi Murmu for immediate intervention. The Ministry of Health assured the protesting doctors last week of every possible effort to ensure their safety. On August 17, the Ministry of Health announced that it would form a committee to propose measures ensuring the safety of medical professionals.
