‘Unable to sleep’: After Kolkata horror, doctors feel unsafe', demand justice

Health services have been hit in several parts of India as hundreds of doctors continue their strike over the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. Doctors have been demanding an impartial probe, compensation for the victim’s family, and provisions to ensure the security of doctors.

The Kolkata high court transferred the case from the Kolkata police to the CBI on Tuesday evening while pointing to serious lapses on part of the hospital’s administration. The victim’s body was found on Thursday night in a seminar hall, where she had reportedly decided to rest after being on duty for 36 hours.  The initial autopsy indicated bleeding from her eyes, mouth and private parts, and injuries on her left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger and lips. Police have arrested a suspect who was a civic volunteer.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, OPD and operation theatres remained shut at 10 government hospitals for the second day, after the Federation of Resident Doctors Association called for an indefinite strike until their demands were met.

The incident has left many doctors feeling unsafe. 

“When we leave our homes for work, we should not be raped. We should not be murdered. There should be no violence against us. CCTV and security arrangements should be made on hospital premises so that we can feel safe,” said Dr Sandra, a resident doctor at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Dr Manisha told Newslaundry that she hasn’t been able to sleep after the incident. “Imagine that you are working continuously for 36 hours, and despite that, you are not able to find a safe place to rest for two hours. When I come home after my night shift, I am not able to sleep as I am worried that someone might break into my house and something like this might happen to me.”

Doctors also raised questions about the police role.

Watch.