Kolkata, 03 November (H.S.). The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken serious cognisance of the recent incident involving the harassment and rape threats issued to a woman doctor at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Medical College & Hospital in Howrah. NCW member Archana Majumdar visited the hospital on Monday and met the survivor to review the situation firsthand.

Majumdar also held discussions with senior police officials and the hospital administration regarding the progress of the investigation. The incident occurred on October 20, when a traffic home guard posted in Uluberia and his neighbour allegedly assaulted the doctor while she was on duty and threatened her with sexual violence. Both accused have since been arrested.

Terming the attack “extremely unfortunate,” Majumdar expressed concern over the growing trend of violence against doctors in West Bengal.

“I have served as a doctor in this state. It is shocking to see such attacks becoming common. After the RG Kar Medical College incident, it appears as though people feel emboldened to intimidate doctors and then escape using legal loopholes,” she said.

Commending the prompt action in this case, she added, “Unlike many such incidents where investigations are delayed, here the police acted swiftly, arrested all three accused, and informed me that the chargesheet is ready.”

Following her visit to Howrah Medical College, the NCW representative also inspected the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, where a minor girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a former staff member on October 22. There too, she interacted with the authorities and the family of the survivor to assess their concerns.

The NCW has assured continued monitoring of both cases to ensure justice and safety for women in healthcare settings across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh