Kolkata Doctor Case: 2 doctors, BJP leader summoned for spreading 'misinformation'

In response to the growing unrest and protests from healthcare workers demanding stronger legal protections and the declaration of hospitals as safe zones, the Home Ministry has directed state police forces to provide continuous updates on the law and order situation.

The Kolkata Police has summoned BJP leader Locket Chatterjee and two doctors, Kunal Sarkar and Subarno Goswami, for questioning Sunday at 3 pm concerning the alleged spread of misinformation surrounding the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The controversy stems from Dr. Subarno Goswami's claims made in various media interviews, where he alleged that the post-mortem report of the victim revealed disturbing details, such as the presence of 150 grams of semen, a fractured pelvic bone, and signs of gang rape. However, the Kolkata Police have strongly denied these assertions, labeling them as false and clarifying that the official post-mortem report contains no such findings. The police have voiced concerns that these unsubstantiated rumors, which quickly spread on social media, have incited public anger and unrest.

Locket Chatterjee is being summoned for allegedly sharing the name and picture of the victim on social media. In her response, Chatterjee accused the Kolkata Police of prioritising social media monitoring over delivering justice to the victim. She expressed her frustration on X, criticising the police for allegedly focusing on social media posts instead of the investigation.

In light of the protests, prohibitory orders have been enforced around the RG Kar Hospital for the next seven days. The Kolkata Police invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which bans gatherings, rallies, and any unlawful assembly of five or more people in the area from August 18 to August 24, or until further notice. The order, issued by Commissioner of Police Vineet Kumar Goyal, also prohibits the carrying of lathis, lethal weapons, or engaging in activities that could disturb public peace. This decision follows nationwide protests demanding justice for the victim, with junior doctors and medical students in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad actively participating.

A report by the Times of India highlights that colleagues of the victim have pointed to a culture of "punishment overwork" at RG Kar Medical College, reportedly enforced under the previous management led by former principal Sandip Ghosh. This culture allegedly penalised faculty members who did not comply with Ghosh's directives and had severe consequences for MBBS students who failed to meet expectations, contributing to a toxic workplace atmosphere.

In response to the growing unrest and protests from healthcare workers demanding stronger legal protections and the declaration of hospitals as safe zones, the Home Ministry has directed state police forces to provide continuous updates on the law and order situation.