Bengal News

Kolkata Police Threatens Columnist Shefali Vaidya For Speaking About Rape & Murder Of RG Kar College Doctor

August 16, 2024
The Commune

The Kolkata Police served notice to author Shefali Vaidya for her criticism of the TMC government‘s response to the horrific rape and murder of a doctor from the city’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. They have been going on a threatening spree against people who are vocal about the tragedy.

Shefali Vaidya, in an X post, had posed questions about the TMC government’s lack of action in ensuring speedy justice, for which the Kolkata Police have threatened to take down the post.

In her X post, she shared an image card which alleged that the sons of two TMC ministers were the suspects in the rape and murder case. She asked if the information was true while questioning if the police under the Mamata government were hurriedly trying to portray the incident as a suicide by destroying evidence.

“You are hereby directed to delete the above-mentioned post and also refrain from making such acts failing which you will be liable for strict penal action under the relevant provision of law.“, the notice by Kolkata Police read.

Following this, Shefali Vaidya took to her social media, fearing threats of harassment and attempts to muzzle her voice.

“So I got this threatening letter from Kolkata Police for merely asking a few questions and for exercising my right of free speech. This is a clear case of @mamataofficial administration silencing the voice of private citizens using the power of Kolkata Police.”, she said.

Shefali pointed out that she was just a private citizen who was disgusted by what happened to a woman doctor and was not a member of any political party.

“As a woman and mother, I fear for my safety. We all know what the Kolkata Police can do, and we all know what happens to women who dare to speak against @mamataofficial in West Bengal. They are either subjected to violence or intimidation like the #SandeshkhaliHorror victims or forced to leave the state like @UnSubtleDesi [OpIndia Editor Nupur Sharma].“, Shefali said.

“I am just an ordinary citizen trying to do the right thing. I am not a member of any political party, nor do I have an organisation to back me up. And I don’t have the wherewithal or the energy to fight the intimidation tactics of a state administration where the police act like the collection agents of a regime. So yes, I will delete the post as Kolkata Police asked me to do as advised by my lawyer. I am doing so not because I think I was wrong in asking questions, but after what happened to #moumitadebnath, I fear for my safety and for my life. You won Kolkata Police in silencing the voice of a common citizen. Congratulations. Huge achievement. Now if only you guys showed the same zeal in protecting the women of West Bengal, #moumitadebnath would STILL BE ALIVE!”, she said.

Shefali Vaidya also pointed out that she had said nothing wrong apart from what other institutions have asked, which is available in the public domain.

Referring to the proceedings in the Calcutta High Court, during which it was pointed out that Commissioner of Kolkata Police Vineet Kumar Goyal, when he was Inspector General of CID, was the investigating officer of the Kamduni rape and murder case, which ended up shoddily.

Shefali Vaidya also asked if the staff of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital would be threatened and arrested by Kolkata Police for exposing administrative apathy and alleged attempts to cover up the case.

Background

A tragic event unfolded at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, where a second-year postgraduate trainee doctor was found brutally raped and murdered. The incident, which occurred on August 8, has sparked nationwide outrage, with medical professionals in Kolkata protesting the lack of safety in their work environment.

After having dinner with her juniors, the trainee doctor chose to rest in the seminar hall at around 2 am due to the hospital’s insufficient resting facilities, believing it to be a safe space. However, on the morning of August 9, her partially unclothed body was discovered in the seminar hall after her night shift.

The victim’s father raised serious concerns, pointing to signs of rape and accusing the hospital of delaying the investigation. In response, postgraduate doctors ceased work in all departments except for emergency services, demanding immediate action and the arrest of those responsible. Student groups also organized protests, calling for a thorough investigation, while opposition leaders, including Bengal BJP legislators, advocated for an independent inquiry led by a magistrate.

Due to the slow progress and mishandling of the case, the Kolkata High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A specialized CBI team, including forensic and medical experts, arrived in Kolkata to begin their probe into the alleged rape and murder. Protests have erupted across the city, with a mob forcibly entering RG Kar Medical College during demonstrations. Police had to use lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Initial autopsy findings confirmed that the victim had been sexually assaulted before her murder, ruling out suicide. The report also revealed numerous injuries, such as broken bones and bleeding, indicating a violent death. Evidence suggests the victim’s nose and mouth were covered, and her head was forcibly pressed against a surface to stifle her cries. The crime is believed to have occurred between 3 am and 6 am, with signs of strangulation and smothering.

Several doctors who reviewed the autopsy report suggested the involvement of multiple assailants. Dr. Subarna Goswami, in an interview with India Today TV, noted the severity of the injuries, indicating the possibility of gang rape. The autopsy revealed 151 mg of semen in the vaginal swab, which Dr. Goswami stated was likely from multiple individuals based on the amount found. This further supports the theory that several attackers assaulted the trainee doctor.

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