IMA Demands Swift Action in Kolkata Doctor's Murder Case, Warns of Nationwide Protests

Kolkata — The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a stern call for immediate action following the alleged rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate resident doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The association has warned of nationwide protests if their demands are not addressed within 48 hours.

The IMA expressed deep shock and outrage over the tragic incident, condemning the circumstances that allowed such a heinous crime to occur on a medical campus.

"The entire medical fraternity of India is shocked beyond words at this brutal murder," the IMA stated. "This crime is an index of the anarchy and insecurity prevailing on the campus."

The body of the young doctor, who was training in the department of chest medicine, was discovered in a semi-naked state in the college's seminar hall on Friday morning. An autopsy report revealed she had been sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death.

The report detailed harrowing injuries, including bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as multiple other injuries, which have intensified calls for swift and decisive justice.

"There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nails. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She had injuries on her belly, left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips," the four-page autopsy report stated.

In response, the IMA has laid out three key demands: a thorough and unbiased investigation into the case, a comprehensive inquiry into the conditions that enabled this crime, and the urgent implementation of measures to improve the safety and security of doctors, particularly women, in their workplaces.

The association has given authorities a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest those responsible and address these demands. Failure to do so, the IMA warned, would trigger nationwide protests, with the medical community ready to take decisive action.

Authorities have already made an arrest in connection with the case. A city court on Saturday ordered a 14-day police remand for the accused, who has been charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS.

CPI(M) Stages Protests in Kolkata

In a related development, CPI(M) workers held a rally in Kolkata, demanding justice for the slain doctor.

"The city we once called the 'City of Joy' has now become the 'City of Fear'. Even doctors are not safe here," said CPI(M) West Bengal Secretary Md Salim. "The Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Police Commissioner of Kolkata is suppressing the case. We demand a judicial inquiry into this matter."