“Ek Doctor Ki Maut,” a film from our school days, once stirred up discussions about how a doctor fought against a corrupt system. On 9^th August 2024, we are confronted with a real-life tragedy that echoes that movie’s themes. A resident doctor was brutally murdered during her duty hours at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata. This incident brings back painful memories of heinous crimes against women, reminiscent of the Delhi rape and murder case, known as the Nirbhaya case. Now, this tragedy is referred to as the Abhaya case. But beyond the change in name, what has really changed?

 

Nirbhaya or Abhaya:

The name of the current incident lacks the letter ‘N,’ but does this signify that ‘N’ stands for “Nothing having changed over the years?” Our daughters are still not safe. We are still fearful of sending our daughters alone to tuition or the market. A mother remains anxious until she hears her daughter has safely returned home at night. We can’t voice our concerns because, despite living in what we claim to be a modern society, safety is often considered outdated thinking. Incidents like Abhaya or Nirbhaya reinforce the fear that every parent still harbors in their heart.

Vs. the System:

When a young woman dies under unnatural circumstances, the unfolding events are deeply troubling. The college authorities initially informed the parents that their daughter had committed suicide. The crime scene was distorted in the name of construction. When students demanded a proper investigation, their pleas were ignored. A peaceful march to show solidarity and demand an investigation was attacked by mobs who vandalized the scene, making us question if we are in India or Bangladesh. The principal, accused by students of being responsible for the crime, was quickly removed and reinstated in another college. Professors were transferred to prevent them from protesting, and protesting doctors were arrested rather than being given proper assurances by the authorities. These actions have caused widespread anguish among students and doctors across the country. The ruling party blames the opposition and vice versa, but we must remember that a daughter was brutally raped. Today, it has happened to Nirbhaya or Abhaya, but tomorrow it could be anyone. This is a time for authorities and politicians to set aside their agendas and work together to help law enforcement capture the real culprits. Lawmakers need to understand that political parties may change, but our daughters need a safe environment for a healthy future.

Beti Padhi Par Bachi Nahin:

The slogan “Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) was meant to highlight our commitment to saving the girl child and improving gender equality. Yet, in cases like this, where the daughter of a middle-class family, who was made a doctor by her parents, has had her dreams shattered, the reality is harsh. The doctor who could have saved many lives from diseases like pneumonia and COVID could not survive. The irony is that she did not die of natural or accidental causes but due to a traumatic and heinous crime. The thought of her struggle during her last minutes, as described in her post-mortem report, is enough to give anyone a shudder. How is it possible that those who committed the crime might now be protected by the very people who should be working to bring them to justice?

We Failed as a System:

This incident forces us to question whether we have failed as a system. This system comprises not just the government but also parents who have failed to teach their sons about respect and modesty. We teach our daughters about bad touch, but do we adequately educate our sons about boundaries and respect for women?

Today, as Raksha Bandhan approaches, are we teaching our boys to protect and respect every daughter of the nation as they would have done for their own sisters?

Are we truly responsible enough to create a safe environment for future generations?

I rest my hopes on the conviction of the real culprits and the hope that future generations will not witness such incidents again. As the  Independence Day has passed by, we must reflect on whether we have truly achieved freedom???

Please give your opinion in the comment box below and do share.

Was Kolkata doctor’s death a cover-up for institutional secrets? – The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)

Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder Case Live Updates RG Kar death August 18 Mamata Banerjee medic Protests CBI IMA West Bengal (abplive.com)