‘Speechless at how insensitive this is’: Bust at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital evokes strong reactions

Crafted in fibreglass, the sculpture depicts the bust of a woman screaming.

Paying tribute to the junior trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered in Kolkata in August, a bust titled “Cry of the Hour” was unveiled. However, it evoked a mixed response with many calling it "disrespectful" to the woman's memory.

The statue was installed on a pedestal near the hospital by the protesting junior doctors of the medical facility. According to the artist Asit Sain, the sculpture depicted the victim's horror during her final moments. “It is an emotional moment for us,” a junior doctor told Indian Express. “She was our colleague. We have been fighting for her. She is in our heart, but this installation will ensure no one ever forgets her.”

However, the move has drawn criticism from many, including Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh, who took to social media to express his concerns. "The installation of this statue in the name of Tilottama is against the spirit of the Supreme Court pronouncement. No responsible person can do that. Not even in the name of art. There will be protests, demands for justice. But the statue with the girl's face of pain is not right,” Ghosh posted on X.

Reactions of netizens

"The doctors of this country are so tone-deaf. Why would you ever create a statue like this based on a rape victim," one X user said.

"Speechless at how insensitive this is. To have one’s pain immortalised, to only be known for being sexually violated. I hope this disgusting statue is destroyed," commented another social media user.

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Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) October 2, 2024

However, Dr Debdutt of RG Kar hospital said, "We have not broken any rules or neglected the court's order. This is just a symbolic sculpture and we don't want to depict only her. We want to show the authorities what had happened and how she had suffered. We will continue to fight for justice."

This is extremely disgusting and disrespectful. Letting the Criminals walk free without any remorse and allegations on 1 handAnd putting this disgusting statue up on the other?'Cry of the hour' my foot! DrHumorless (@DrHumorless) October 3, 2024

The junior doctors have been on a cease work since Tuesday, accusing the West Bengal government of failing to fulfil promises made last September, including the need for enhanced safety and security in hospitals.