Rape and murder of doctor in Calcutta: Governor of Bengal calls emergency meeting after Harbhajan Singh's letter | Latest news from India

With his action, the governor responded to an open letter by former cricketer and Rajya Sabha member of the Aam Admi Party (AAP), Harbhajan Singh.

“The Hon'ble Governor has responded quickly to the letter of Shri Harbhajan Singh expressing his anguish over the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College. The Governor has called an emergency meeting with representatives of a cross-section of Bengali society to apprise them of the action taken in the matter and to seek their views on the matter,” the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata posted on X.

“HG will address Shri Harbhajan Singh on the action taken and planned. HG expressed his solidarity with the civil society across India who have expressed their deep concern over the gruesome incident and the apparent inaction of the government in the matter.”

In a “heartfelt appeal” In an address to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CV Ananda Bose on the incident, Harbhajan Singh expressed his deep concern over the delay in getting justice.

“The incident has shocked all of our consciences. The safety and dignity of women are non-negotiable. The perpetrators must face the full force of the law and the punishment must be exemplary. Only then can we begin to restore trust in our system and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again and we create a society where every woman feels safe and protected. I think now is the time to act,” he wrote.

He also pointed out that cases of crimes against women are being reported from various parts of the country and have now become “regular columns” in newspapers and television programs.

Harbhajan Singh said governments must take comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

“This includes strengthening safety protocols in hospitals, providing appropriate support to victims of violence and creating a safer working environment for all healthcare professionals,” he said.

The former cricketer and current politician also supported the protesting doctors who went on strike and demanded a safe working environment.

“The medical community already works under difficult conditions. In the face of such incidents, how can we expect them to carry out their duties with dedication when their own safety is so seriously compromised?” he wrote.

Rape and murder of a doctor

The aspiring doctor was raped and murdered on August 9 in a seminar room at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta.

The crime occurred late at night in the seminar hall on the third floor of the pulmonary department. Police later said numerous cuts and wounds were found on her body.

Although Sanjoy Roy, the main accused, has been arrested, the investigating authorities are yet to rule out the involvement of others in the crime. The crime has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests within and outside the medical community.