RG Kar Still Haunted by Tragedy — One year has passed since a promising young doctor was found raped and murdered inside the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital premises, yet the scars of that horror remain etched across the campus. From shattered infrastructure to psychological trauma, the legacy of violence lingers as both a symbol of institutional failure and a call for reform.
Despite a flurry of assurances, safety upgrades, and nationwide outrage, many of the most critical promises remain unfulfilled. The hospital still operates under the weight of an unhealed wound—where progress and paralysis coexist.
The Crime Scene: Locked But Not Forgotten
The sealed seminar room where the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee was found dead remains untouched. The space is closed off physically, but emotionally, it’s open in the minds of students and faculty who continue to walk the corridors where the tragedy unfolded.
Doctors say they avoid the room, especially during night duties. “It’s not just a room anymore—it’s a memory none of us asked for,” said a junior doctor under condition of anonymity.
Emergency Block: Reeling from Damage, Awaiting Rebirth
Perhaps the most visual testament to the aftermath is the vandalized emergency block. Following the incident, angry mobs stormed the hospital, damaging critical infrastructure:
- Ventilators, BiPAP machines, and monitoring systems were smashed.
- Hospital beds and medical storage units were left in ruins.
- A functioning trauma care unit had to be moved to a makeshift area with reduced capacity.
Though government permission for repairs came months ago, the site still lies abandoned. Shortage of funds and bureaucratic bottlenecks have delayed reconstruction, leaving doctors with limited resources to handle critical cases.
Security Measures: Improved But Incomplete
In response to the public outcry, the state government increased security measures across the campus:
- CCTV cameras were increased from around 200 to over 700.
- 85 new security personnel were deployed, including CISF guards.
- Duty rooms and washrooms for female doctors were constructed.
However, the promised panic buttons, secure staff monitoring system, and reinforced night-time patrol units remain pending. “The cameras help, but fear can’t be erased by surveillance alone,” said a female resident doctor.
Academic Impact: Faculty Drain and PG Seat Cuts
The ripple effect of the incident extended into the college’s academic structure. Departments saw sudden faculty transfers, which were not reversed. The Chest Medicine department had to reduce its postgraduate seats from six to four due to shortage of senior educators—a loss that will impact not only current students but also future medical capacity.
Justice Delayed: Legal Questions Remain
Though two accused were arrested early in the investigation, the case has since stalled amid allegations of mishandling:
- DNA reports that hinted at a third person’s involvement were dismissed due to contamination.
- Allegations surfaced regarding potential tampering by senior officials, including the then-principal of the college.
- The victim’s family has consistently claimed that justice has been neither swift nor complete.
The Calcutta High Court ordered the CBI to take over the investigation, yet even that transition was mired in delays and a lack of visible progress.
RG Kar Still Haunted by Tragedy: A National Wake-Up Call
This incident served as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities that healthcare workers—especially women—face even in so-called “safe” professional spaces.
In the months following the tragedy:
- The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognizance, leading to nationwide discussion on institutional safety in medical colleges.
- The Union Health Ministry and National Medical Commission issued advisories urging medical colleges across India to improve campus safety.
- Doctors across the country held silent protests and candle marches, calling for protection, dignity, and justice in their workplaces.
Yet, on the ground at RG Kar, implementation is half-hearted and sporadic.
A Year On: Protests and Public Memory
To mark the one-year anniversary of the incident, junior doctors across West Bengal organized protest marches and vigils.
A torchlight rally from College Square to Shyambazar carried placards demanding justice and structural reform. At RG Kar, a black cloth was draped across the gate, symbolizing institutional mourning.
“The patient healed faster than the doctor ever could,” read one sign held by a student nurse.
Conclusion: A Campus Trapped Between Remembrance and Recovery
One year after the horrific incident, RG Kar remains a medical institution functioning under trauma. While patients continue to receive care, and classes continue as scheduled, the environment is still weighed down by grief, anger, and fear.
What this campus needs is not just infrastructure restoration, but emotional repair, ethical clarity, and administrative transparency. Until then, the promise of “never again” will remain just that—a promise, not a reality.
External References
- R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital – Wikipedia
- 2024 Kolkata rape and murder – Wikipedia
- Supreme Court Observer on R.G. Kar Case
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
