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The tragic murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College on August 9th sparked widespread outrage and prompted a series of actions, including a controversial renovation order issued by the former principal, Sandip Ghosh. Ghosh's letter to the Public Works Department (PWD) on August 10th, obtained exclusively by India Today, requested immediate repairs and renovations of on-duty doctors' rooms in all departments of the hospital. The letter cited a deficiency in these facilities and highlighted the resident doctors' demand for improvements. Ghosh's order came in the wake of the horrific incident, where the 31-year-old doctor was found raped and murdered inside the hospital's seminar hall, highlighting the precarious safety conditions faced by healthcare professionals. A civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.
The timing and location of the ordered renovations sparked a heated debate. A viral video showcasing construction work at the hospital fueled allegations that the renovations were an attempt to destroy evidence linked to the crime scene. While the hospital administration clarified that the video depicted work on a different room, the Calcutta High Court expressed skepticism about the urgency of the renovations, particularly those concerning restrooms. The court questioned whether providing restrooms within 12 hours constituted a critical need, particularly when compared to the lack of such facilities in other public buildings like district court complexes.
The state government's counsel denied allegations that the renovations were intended to conceal evidence. They maintained that the demolition work was not conducted near the crime scene. However, the public's distrust and the court's inquiries underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in such situations. The incident raises broader concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals, and the need for immediate and effective measures to address these critical issues in institutions like RG Kar Medical College.
Source: Day after doctor's murder, ex-RG Kar principal ordered renovation in hospital