SHAH ALAM - The tragic death of Dr Moumita Debnath in Kolkata on Aug 9 has sparked widespread discussion, particularly concerning India's justice system.
The case, which has seen over 7,000 people attempting to dispose of evidence for unknown reasons, has drawn international attention.
Debnath, a second-year postgraduate student in the Chest Medicine Department at R.G. Kar Medical College, was only 31 years old.
Her death followed a horrifying incident of sexual assault, resulting in alleged rape and strangulation.
Evidence suggested she may have been assaulted by multiple individuals, as her body contained over 150ml of penile discharge—far more than what is typical for a single male ejaculation.
Debnath’s case is not isolated.
Other doctors, including Dr Aradhya, Dr Priyanka Reddy, Dr Shweta Sinha, and Dr Anjali, have also been victims of similar crimes.
The case has galvanized medical professionals across India, prompting protests and marches demanding systemic changes and justice for Debnath.
The West Bengal government has called for a special task force to investigate, and other states are pledging to enhance security measures in hospitals and improve conditions for healthcare professionals.
Debnath was found half-naked in a seminar hall where medical students typically rest after long shifts.
She had been working for 36 hours before seeking refuge in what was deemed a secluded area.
The initial autopsy revealed extensive injuries, including bruises and bleeding, which indicated sexual assault rather than suicide—a claim initially suggested by police.
Assistant Superintendent Dwaipayan Biswas informed Debnath’s family of her death by suicide before they saw her body, leading to additional outrage.
The autopsy confirmed she had been strangled and smothered.
The primary suspect identified as Sanjay Roy has admitted to the crime and is currently under a 14-day remand.
Evidence suggested he attempted to destroy his clothes after the incident.
Roy, a retired boxer and civic volunteer with access to various hospital departments, is being investigated under Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code.
Allegations also involved multiple perpetrators and a possible female accomplice.
Closed-circuit camera surveillance (CCTV) footage and social media claims have further complicated the case, with accusations of evidence tampering and a potential cover-up due to Roy’s connections with police.
India recorded 31,518 rape cases in 2022, with the pandemic lockdown contributing to the rise in such crimes.
The low conviction rates and the plight of educated women highlight broader systemic issues.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has organised a 24-hour strike starting on Aug 17 to demand a thorough investigation, enhanced protection for medical workers, and stricter laws against violence in hospitals.
They also advocated for hospitals to be declared safe zones with increased security measures.
On Aug 13, the Kolkata High Court ordered the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to dissatisfaction with the state police's handling.
However, on the night of Aug 15, around 7,000 people gathered at the crime scene, destroying evidence and further exacerbating public frustration.
The High Court has slammed Bengal’s Minister of State Affairs, Mamata Banerjee and the state police for their inadequate response, particularly concerning the ease with which the public accessed the crime scene.