A wake-up call against gender violence

Dr. Moumita Debanath, a brilliant 31-year-old doctor, was sexually assaulted and tragically killed at Kolkata Hospital on August 8, 2024. This news shocked the medical community and the whole nation of India. The hospital failed to protect her. It also raises questions about the organization of hospitals and what the purpose of security guards and camera installations in institutions is if they aren’t used properly.

After a long night shift, Dr. Moumita ate with colleagues and rested in the seminar room. But her rest was brutally interrupted, and her life tragically ended by an act of violence. Her body was discovered not in the seminar room where she was resting but in the nearby construction area. At first, her family informed them that her daughter committed suicide, but after requesting to see her face and 3 hours of waiting, they were allowed to see it. Her family becomes very deeply upset and disturbed at the condition of her daughter, as the pain is unimaginable. Her legs were twisted unnaturally, indicating severe pelvic trauma, suggesting sexual assault and violent struggle.

The autopsy report revealed chilling and horrific details of Dr. Moumita’s last hours. The report exposes facts like 150 grams of semen indicating multiple perpetrators, severe eye damage from broken glasses, which causes extensive bleeding, and lips also having signs of violent struggle. According to the autopsy report, death occurred between 3 and 5 am on 9 August 2024. This confirmed a terrible sexual assault, leaving her family, community, and the whole nation devastated and shocked.

Civic Assistant Sanjay Roy, the hospital staff member, was identified by CCTV as the prime suspect. He confessed, was arrested, arrested and is in police custody until August 23. The public is very angry and demands severe and strong punishment.

Dr. Moumita’s parents mistrusted and questioned the state police, worrying about a cover-up. They demanded a fair investigation, but the Calcutta High Court surprisingly ordered a CBI probe, indicating a lack of confidence in the state’s investigation.

On August 15, a massive mob attacked the hospital, destroying crucial evidence. Despite curfew and restrictions, police failed to intervene, sparking outrage. The high court also condemned and criticized the state government and the police for their absolute failure in managing the situation.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) organized a 24-hour nationwide strike from August 17 to August 18 in solidarity with Dr. Moumita. The strike emphasized safety concerns for healthcare workers, particularly women.

India faces a growing problem of sexual violence, as in 2022 total 31,516 rapes were reported. This shows the constant threat to women in India. Moumita’s case shows that women are vulnerable everywhere, regardless of their status and profession. Other female doctors like Dr. Prinyanka Reddy and Dr. Anjali Sinha have also suffered similar traumas. This exposes the risks women professionals face. Many rape cases are not reported, as some people remain silent and bear the pain silently. The main reason for this is the negative behavior of our institutions and the fear of judgment from society.

Dr. Moumita’s death exposes workplace dangers for women in India. The medical community and the nation stand in solidarity with her family and demand justice for this devoted and dedicated doctor. Dr. Moumita’s death must spark change; her legacy deserves a safer India for all women. We should create an environment where everyone, especially women, feels safe and secure and can live and work without fear. We are optimistic that her death will not be in vain but will catalyze lasting change.