On 9 August 2024, Moumita Debnath, a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, was raped and murdered. Her dead body was found on campus. The incident has amplified debate about the safety of women and doctors in India, and has sparked significant outrage, nationwide protests, and demands for a thorough investigation.
One million Indian doctors went on strike in reaction to this incident, demanding better security on campuses and justice for Debnath.
Born 1993
Kolkata, India
Died 9 August 2024 (age 30–31)
Kolkata, India
Cause of death Strangling
Nationality Indian
Alma mater R. G. Kar Medical College
Occupation Trainee doctor
On 9 August 2024, Debnath was reported missing by colleagues. At about 11:30 am the trainee doctor's body was discovered in one of the college's seminar rooms in a semi-nude state with her eyes, mouth, and genitals bleeding. She was later declared dead.
Autopsy report
An autopsy revealed that Debnath had been raped and sexually assaulted before being killed via strangulation. The report, spanning four pages, also noted a deep wound in her genital tract, lips, left leg, right hand, ring finger, neck, and face. The report revealed that the scratch marks on the woman's face were likely caused by the accused's fingernails. According to the report, pressure was applied to her mouth and throat, and she was strangled, resulting in a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. The report also noted bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts, with the injuries in her genital area attributed to "perverted sexuality" and "genital torture." The exact cause of the injuries to her eyes remains undetermined.
The postmortem report also revealed that around 150 mg of semen was found in the vaginal swab. This finding, along with the extent of injuries, led the doctors who performed the autopsy and the victim's parents to suggest Debnath may have been subjected to gang rape. However, the Kolkata Police has dismissed these claims as rumors, stating that it is impossible to distinguish semen from multiple individuals with the naked eye during an autopsy.
Arrest
Following an investigation, the police arrested a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police disaster management force who had been posted at the police outpost near the medical college. He has been described as a womaniser and domestic abuser. According to the Kolkata Police, he confessed to the crime.
Transfer of the case to CBI
On 13 August 2024, the Calcutta High Court, unsatisfied with the police's handling of the investigation, assigned the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They also flagged the possibility of destruction of evidence if the state police continued with their investigation.
Legal
On 18 August, the Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the case. A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud heard the matter on 20 August. While criticising the State government, Kolkata police, as well as the college administration, over mishandling of the case and the vandalism that took place on the night of 14 August, the court constituted a national task force to ensure workplace safety for doctors and requested the protesting doctors to return to their duties. The court ordered the CISF and CRPF to provide security at the hospital.
Moumita - Photo credit: @Iamuzmajafri
The tragic death of Dr Moumita Debnath in Kolkata on Aug 9 has sparked widespread discussion, particularly concerning India's justice system.
The case, which has seen over 7,000 people attempting to dispose of evidence for unknown reasons, has drawn international attention.
Debnath, a second-year postgraduate student in the Chest Medicine Department at R.G. Kar Medical College, was only 31 years old.
Her death followed a horrifying incident of sexual assault, resulting in alleged rape and strangulation.
Evidence suggested she may have been assaulted by multiple individuals, as her body contained over 150ml of penile discharge—far more than what is typical for a single male ejaculation.
Debnath’s case is not isolated.
Other doctors, including Dr Aradhya, Dr Priyanka Reddy, Dr Shweta Sinha, and Dr Anjali, have also been victims of similar crimes.
The case has galvanized medical professionals across India, prompting protests and marches demanding systemic changes and justice for Debnath.
The West Bengal government has called for a special task force to investigate, and other states are pledging to enhance security measures in hospitals and improve conditions for healthcare professionals.
Debnath was found half-naked in a seminar hall where medical students typically rest after long shifts.
She had been working for 36 hours before seeking refuge in what was deemed a secluded area.
The initial autopsy revealed extensive injuries, including bruises and bleeding, which indicated sexual assault rather than suicide—a claim initially suggested by police.
Assistant Superintendent Dwaipayan Biswas informed Debnath’s family of her death by suicide before they saw her body, leading to additional outrage.
The autopsy confirmed she had been strangled and smothered.
The primary suspect identified as Sanjay Roy has admitted to the crime and is currently under a 14-day remand.
Evidence suggested he attempted to destroy his clothes after the incident.
Roy, a retired boxer and civic volunteer with access to various hospital departments, is being investigated under Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code.
Allegations also involved multiple perpetrators and a possible female accomplice.
Closed-circuit camera surveillance (CCTV) footage and social media claims have further complicated the case, with accusations of evidence tampering and a potential cover-up due to Roy’s connections with police.
India recorded 31,518 rape cases in 2022, with the pandemic lockdown contributing to the rise in such crimes.
The low conviction rates and the plight of educated women highlight broader systemic issues.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has organised a 24-hour strike starting on Aug 17 to demand a thorough investigation, enhanced protection for medical workers, and stricter laws against violence in hospitals.
They also advocated for hospitals to be declared safe zones with increased security measures.
On Aug 13, the Kolkata High Court ordered the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to dissatisfaction with the state police's handling.
However, on the night of Aug 15, around 7,000 people gathered at the crime scene, destroying evidence and further exacerbating public frustration.
The High Court has slammed Bengal’s Minister of State Affairs, Mamata Banerjee and the state police for their inadequate response, particularly concerning the ease with which the public accessed the crime scene.
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