Woman doctor alleges molestation outside NRS Medical College Hostel, 4 arrested

Kolkata: In a disturbing incident, a woman doctor has alleged that she was molested and harassed by a group of outsiders near the ladies' hostel of NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, raising fresh concerns about the safety of women doctors on government medical campuses. 

The alleged incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, less than a year after the horrific RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. According to news reports, a group of allegedly intoxicated men gathered outside the hostel, shouted abusive remarks, played loud music, and attempted to attract the attention of women staying inside. The woman doctor alleged that she was subjected to molestation and obscene gestures.

Also Read:RG Kar rape-murder case: CBI revisits hospital in fresh probe

Disturbed by the incident, the doctor immediately informed the hostel authorities, who alerted the police. Hospital sources said CCTV cameras installed on the campus captured several youths arriving on motorcycles and loitering near the ladies' hostel. Although the accused reportedly fled before police reached the spot, investigators later examined CCTV footage from the hospital premises and nearby areas to identify those involved.

Based on the doctor's complaint and evidence collected during the investigation, police arrested four individuals in connection with the case. Speaking to TOI, NRS principal Indira Dey said, “An FIR has been lodged, and police have taken action. Any such complaint will be reported to the police immediately for necessary legal action. This will not be tolerated.” 

A senior hospital official described the incidents as unacceptable, noting that there had been earlier complaints of women doctors facing catcalling and stone-pelting at their hostels from outside the campus. However, the recent incidents were considered more serious because the accused allegedly entered the hospital premises.

The woman doctor has questioned how outsiders managed to gather so close to the ladies' hostel despite the existing security arrangements. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safety and security of women doctors working and residing in government medical colleges across West Bengal, reports Bhaskar English.

Hospital authorities said the accused are believed to be residents of a nearby slum. One official pointed to security concerns surrounding a gate near the morgue, which is intended to remain closed in the evenings but is allegedly being used by unauthorised individuals to enter the campus. The administration said it is reviewing security arrangements to address students' safety concerns.

Another official said the RG Kar incident served as an eye-opener, prompting the authorities to review the security of female doctors and take corrective steps. “As it is a public hospital, there will be constant entry of outsiders. But we are in talks with cops on how to increase security,” reports TOI.

Police are also probing how the accused gained access to the hostel area and whether there were any lapses in campus security. Authorities continue to examine CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Also Read:Woman doctor alleges molestation inside Indore Hospital, accused arrested