NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a junior woman doctor in mysterious circumstances at the state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 13th August, 2024

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a junior woman doctor in mysterious circumstances at the state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

Takes a serious view of the reported allegations about sexual assault and murder

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report carried on 9th August, 2024 that a junior woman doctor was found dead at the Seminar Hall of the Kolkata’s state-run R G Kar Medical College & Hospital on 9th August, 2024. Reportedly, the body of the deceased bore scratch marks, indicating that there was some struggle at the time of the incident. The family has reportedly alleged that the victim was raped and murdered.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks.

The report is expected to include the present status of the investigation being conducted by the police and action taken against the responsible persons as well as compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased. The Commission would also like to know about the steps taken/ proposed by the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

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