NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of RG Kar Medical College Assault Case

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday took suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault of a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The Commission noted that if the media reports are accurate, they raise serious concerns about the violation of the victim’s human rights. In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in West Bengal, requesting a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The report should include the current status of the police investigation, actions taken against those responsible, and any compensation provided to the victim’s family. Additionally, the NHRC seeks information on the steps taken or proposed by authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has ordered Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, to submit a leave application by 3 pm. This follows protests sparked by his immediate appointment as principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata after his resignation.

Ghosh resigned from his position at RG Kar Medical College on Monday, citing defamation on social media following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the hospital premises. During a hearing on Tuesday, the Chief Justice’s division bench of the Calcutta HC questioned Ghosh’s appointment to another government college despite his resignation on moral grounds.

“How can a principal who resigned by taking moral responsibility be appointed as the principal of another government college? The court has asked him to submit a leave application by 3 pm today, or it will issue an order for his removal from the position,” the court observed.

The incident in question occurred on August 9, when a postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The investigation has confirmed that the victim was raped and murdered. Reports indicate that the victim’s body bore scratch marks, suggesting a struggle took place. The victim’s family has alleged that she was raped and murdered.