Controversy Erupts Over Statue of Rape Victim at Kolkata Medical College
Kolkata, 3rd October 2024: A controversy has arisen following the installation of a statue representing a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August. The statue, titled “Cry of the Hour,” aims to convey the victim’s pain and horror during her final moments, as explained by the artist, Asit Sain. This bust, depicting a crying woman, has been placed on a pedestal near the principal’s office of RG Kar.
“This statue is not merely a representation of the victim; it symbolizes the suffering she endured and the ongoing protests,” stated a junior doctor from the hospital.
However, the statue’s installation has faced backlash on social media, with many users labeling it “disrespectful” and “disturbing.” One user commented, “If you want to erect her statue, do it in a way that doesn’t depict her in anguish. This is highly unsettling.” Another said, “I’m appalled by the insensitivity. To have someone’s trauma immortalized like this is wrong; I hope this statue is removed.”
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh criticized the doctors for installing the statue, arguing that it violates Supreme Court guidelines against revealing a victim’s name and identity. “No responsible person should do this, even in the name of art. There will be calls for justice, but this statue, showcasing the girl’s pain, is inappropriate,” he tweeted.
In response, Dr. Debdutt from RG Kar Hospital defended the statue, asserting, “We have not violated any rules or ignored the court’s directives. This is a symbolic sculpture; we intend to highlight what happened and the suffering she endured. We will continue to advocate for justice.”
Junior doctors at the hospital have been on strike since Tuesday, claiming the West Bengal government has failed to fulfill promises made in mid-September regarding enhanced safety and security in hospitals. They are also protesting against the rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9.
After a 42-day strike, the doctors had partially resumed services but returned to cease work, citing unmet demands for improved safety measures for medical personnel.
Key demands from the Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front include the installation of CCTV cameras in hospitals, round-the-clock security for healthcare workers, and stricter protocols to prevent violence against medical professionals.
