The father of the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College last year has voiced his strong criticism of the West Bengal administration following the recent alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman near a medical college campus in Durgapur. He expressed deep concern over the state government’s ability to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly doctors, and questioned the validity of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data that positions Kolkata as the safest city in West Bengal.
“They are doctors, first-class citizens of society, and (the government) cannot ensure their safety… This administration still raises all questions against the victim. Those who lack the ability to protect them should take the responsibility and resign from their posts,” he stated, as reported by news agency ANI. He further lamented the recurring incidents, attributing them to the administration’s alleged incompetence and greed, especially in light of national reports declaring West Bengal as the safest state.
Speaking to The Indian Express, he shared the tragic story of the Durgapur victim, who had come to West Bengal from Odisha with aspirations of a medical career. “Is this an example of a safe city or state? The girl came to this state with the dream to build a career, become a doctor, and serve people. But what happened? She was violated, her dreams shattered. She is alive, but imagine the trauma,” he conveyed, urging the government to take immediate action.
What happened in Durgapur?
The 23-year-old medical student was allegedly raped outside her college campus on Friday night after stepping out for food with a friend. She reported that after her friend fled the scene, she was taken to a nearby forest by unknown assailants, where the crime occurred. Her mother recounted the harrowing experience, detailing how her daughter was threatened after the assault.
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the incident. The father’s renewed call for justice comes after a similar tragic incident last year involving a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, which led to widespread protests across the country. The accused in that case, Sanjay Roy, was later sentenced to life imprisonment.