Why was case filed 3 hours after cremation? Supreme Court raps Kolkata hospital

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• Aug 20, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

“The autopsy confirmed that the doctor was murdered, yet the FIR was only registered at 11:45 p.m.? What were the hospital authorities doing?” the Supreme Court questioned.

Digital Desk: The Supreme Court on Tuesday established a national task force to recommend measures for ensuring safe working conditions for healthcare professionals. This decision came alongside a reprimand directed at the Bengal government for its handling of the brutal rape and murder case involving a trainee doctor. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, also expressed strong dissatisfaction with RG Kar Hospital authorities for the delay in filing the FIR.

“The autopsy confirmed that the doctor was murdered, yet the FIR was only registered at 11:45 p.m.? What were the hospital authorities doing?” the Supreme Court questioned.

The 31-year-old doctor was found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, triggering nationwide protests and strikes by doctors. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested by the Kolkata Police the following day.

Key Points on the Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case:

·         The Supreme Court has formed a national task force to recommend safety measures for doctors at their workplaces. “The task force will include doctors from various backgrounds to propose safety protocols to be implemented nationwide, ensuring a secure work environment for both young and experienced doctors,” the Chief Justice said.

·         The task force will comprise notable medical professionals including Surgeon Admiral RK Sarian, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy (Managing Director, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology), Dr. M Srivas (Director, AIIMS Delhi), Dr. Prathima Moorthy (NIMHANS, Bangalore), Dr. Govardhan Dutt Puri (AIIMS Jodhpur), Dr. Somikra Rawat (Gangaram Hospital), Professor Anita Saxena, Pallavi Saple (JJ Group of Hospitals), and Padma Srivastava (Chairperson, Neurology, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon).

·         The Supreme Court urged the Bengal government to refrain from taking punitive action against protesters. “The state’s power should not be used against peaceful demonstrators. This is a time for national reflection,” the court stated.

·         The Chief Justice criticized the hospital and police for procedural failures. “Why was no FIR filed initially? The body was handed over late to the parents. The crime scene is a hospital, and the police have been ineffective,” the court remarked.

·         The court emphasized that the safety of doctors, particularly women doctors, is a national concern and stressed that the principle of equality demands proactive measures. “The nation cannot wait for another tragedy to act,” it stated.

·         The Supreme Court underscored the severity of the case, noting, “The doctor was not only a victim of a sexual pervert but of an animal-like perpetrator. This should not become a political issue. The Bengal government should not remain in denial.”

·         The Chief Justice also criticized the appointment of Dr. Sandip Ghosh to the principal position at Calcutta Medical College after his resignation from RG Kar Hospital. “How was he appointed elsewhere while his conduct was under scrutiny?” the Chief Justice asked.

·         The Chief Justice expressed grave concern over the circulation of the victim’s name, photographs, and video clips in the media. “This is deeply troubling,” the CJI said.

·         Additionally, the Chief Justice questioned the state about the vandalism at the hospital on August 14 and directed the CISF to provide security. “The hospital was overrun by a mob, damaging critical facilities. What was the police doing? Their priority should have been to secure the crime scene,” the CJI added.

·         The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI to submit a status report on the investigation by Thursday, August 22, and has also requested the Bengal government to provide a status report on the vandalism incident.