Public outrage has surged in West Bengal following two separate incidents of alleged molestation at hospitals in Howrah and Birbhum districts on Saturday night. The incidents have intensified ongoing protests over the brutal killing of a junior doctor in the state capital last month.
On August 31, a 13-year-old girl and a nurse were reportedly assaulted at medical facilities in Howrah and Birbhum districts, respectively. In Birbhum, a nurse at the Illambazar block hospital was allegedly molested and verbally abused by a male patient. Meanwhile, in Howrah, a laboratory technician was arrested for allegedly molesting a minor girl at the district headquarters hospital. The 12-year-old girl had been admitted for a CT scan when the incident occurred.
The assaults prompted widespread demonstrations across the state. In Kolkata, hundreds gathered for a march starting from College Square, with a banner reading, “I want justice for my sisters.” Political parties also took to the streets: the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held separate protests, each aiming to put pressure on the other.
At the Illambazar primary health centre, protests erupted among the staff, demanding better security measures. Arpita Banerjee, a nurse at the centre, voiced concerns about the lack of security during night shifts. “How can we work on night shifts if there is no security? The administration must take action immediately,” she said.
In Howrah, the father of the molestation victim reported that the technician had prevented him from accompanying his daughter and molested her in his absence. Dr. Narayan Chatterjee, the superintendent of Howrah district hospital, condemned the incident, asserting that the safety of women is paramount and promising to enhance security measures.
The recent assaults have further fueled political tensions. BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has called for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, citing multiple incidents of molestation and rape in the state. “We are witnessing multiple incidents of molestation and rape in West Bengal every day. The chief minister must accept her responsibility and step down,” Majumdar stated.
In response, the Trinamool Congress has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) expedite its probe and ensure that those responsible face severe punishment. Trinamool leader Chandrima Bhattacharya emphasized the need for the CBI to provide updates on the investigation and build a strong case.
The ongoing protests, sparked by the death of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, have seen unprecedented public participation. Thousands marched through Kolkata, including prominent figures from the Bengali film industry. Filmmaker Aparna Sen criticized the political response, expressing frustration with the lack of attention to the victim’s plight. “Common people have the right to demand answers. I decry the role of all political parties in the RG Kar Hospital incident,” she said.
Sources By Agencies