Kolkata doctor rape-and-murder case underlines rot in system

The Kolkata doctor rape-and-murder case has shocked everyone and triggered nationwide protests by doctors, which is not surprising given the gravity of the crime and the initial cover-up attempts. The parents of the lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College who was raped and murdered were informed in the beginning that it was a case of suicide.

When we compare it with the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case in Delhi, in which a young physiotherapist was violently raped and murdered, we find many more worrying aspects—those related to the alleged collusion of the local authorities. At least in the 2012 case, there were no allegations of cops or other authorities trying to downplay the crime or shield anyone. The culprits were apprehended after some time; they were brought to justice.

In the Kolkata case, however, attempts were made to hide the crime. This indicates deep rot within the system. Media reports suggest that the local authorities made attempts to downplay the crime and mislead the investigation. Unsurprisingly, the acts of omission and commission by some police officers and local officials in the aftermath of the crime have sparked public outrage and media outcry.

Full details are yet to come out, but it is quite obvious that the violated and deceased medical professional suffered unspeakable torture and horrible death at the hands of the perpetrators. That the prime accused, Sanjay Roy, was a civic volunteer working alongside the police force has given some credibility to the suspicion that he received assistance from the local cops and officials.

Apparently, the record of the 35-year-old is not very clean. On May 13, 2023, a complaint was lodged at Kalighat police station against him by his wife, who was three months pregnant at the time, of assault. She had made similar complaints earlier too, but there are no reports suggesting that he faced any action. His proximity with the local cops also becomes evident from the fact he was arrested from the barracks of 4th battalion of the Kolkata armed police.

There is considerable speculation regarding the involvement of some influential individuals who, it is alleged, exerted pressure to derail the investigation. The truth may (or may never) be known later, but the very fact that people are talking about such possibilities underlines the extent to which our institutions have been compromised.

Meanwhile theatrics by politicians are in full swing. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march against the crime. Asha Devi, the mother of Nirbhaya, slammed Banerjee and other politicians for indulging in blame game. “Ggovernments are accusing each other and holding protests instead of focusing on the case, women’s safety, and addressing shortcomings in the law.”

Criticizing the Chief Minister, Devi said, “The Health Ministry and the police fall under the Chief Minister’s jurisdiction. I don’t understand whom she is protesting against or from whom she is demanding capital punishment. The law is in her hands; the government can at least ensure the case is properly presented to the lower court.”

Other politicians are little better. It is futile to try to drill some decency or sense into their hearts and minds. It is time citizens themselves organized themselves to safeguard their own rights and interests. Only this can check, even reverse, rot in the system.