NHRC Steps in on Alleged Sexual Assault Case at Kolkata Medical College

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault and murder of a PG student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Notices have been issued to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Police for a detailed report within two weeks. The Calcutta High Court is also involved.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday took suo motu cognizance of an alleged sexual assault on a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The NHRC, noting the seriousness of the media reports, has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in West Bengal, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

The Commission has requested the report to include the current status of the police investigation, any action taken against those responsible, and details regarding any compensation offered to the family of the deceased. NHRC has also sought information on measures taken or proposed to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, to submit a leave application by 3 pm.

This decision follows Ghosh's immediate appointment as principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital after his resignation from RG Kar Medical College, which led to protests. Ghosh stepped down, alleging defamation on social media after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the campus.

During a hearing of several PILs on Tuesday, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court questioned Ghosh's new appointment. The court emphasized that Ghosh, who resigned taking moral responsibility, should not be appointed as principal of another government college. He has been instructed to submit a leave application by 3 pm or face a court order to vacate the position.

The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9, with evidence pointing to rape and murder. The deceased bore scratch marks, indicating a struggle. The family of the victim has alleged that she was raped and murdered. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)