New Delhi, 10 December 2024: In the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of a medical student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the judicial custody of Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal has been extended until December 13. The accused are senior students at the college and face serious allegations related to the death, which has sparked public outrage and calls for systemic reforms in educational institutions.
The RG Kar tragedy revolves around the mysterious death of Shiladitya Sen, a 23-year-old medical student. Sen was found unresponsive in his hostel room under circumstances that raised suspicions of foul play. Initial investigations suggested that harassment and ragging could have played a significant role in the incident, leading to the arrest of Ghosh and Mondal.
According to sources, the accused are alleged to have subjected the victim to repeated harassment, contributing to his mental and physical distress. The incident has reignited concerns about ragging, a practice banned under Indian law but still prevalent in many educational institutions.
Court Extends Judicial Custody
In the latest hearing on December 7, the court extended the judicial custody of Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal by six more days to allow investigators more time to gather evidence and verify claims. The prosecution argued that the custody extension was critical for completing a thorough investigation into the case.
While the defense counsel argued for the release of the accused on bail, citing insufficient evidence, the court maintained that the gravity of the allegations warranted further detention. The decision has been welcomed by the victim’s family, who are seeking justice for their son’s untimely death.
Public Outrage and Protests
The tragedy has sparked widespread protests across Kolkata and beyond, with students, parents, and activists demanding justice for Shiladitya Sen. Demonstrations have taken place at RG Kar Medical College and other institutions, highlighting the need to end ragging and create safer environments for students.
Protesters have also criticized the college administration for alleged inaction in preventing harassment and failing to address complaints of misconduct. Many have called for stronger anti-ragging measures, emphasizing that stricter enforcement and accountability are crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.
Institutional Response and Reforms
The administration of RG Kar Medical College has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and initiated an internal inquiry into the incident. Authorities have vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation and implement measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
The tragedy has also prompted a broader review of anti-ragging policies across educational institutions in West Bengal. State authorities have emphasized the need for stricter monitoring, effective complaint mechanisms, and awareness campaigns to address the issue of ragging comprehensively.
The RG Kar tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by ragging and unchecked harassment in educational institutions. As the judicial process continues, the case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect students and foster a culture of respect and safety. The extension of judicial custody for the accused is a step toward accountability, but the incident highlights the pressing need for lasting solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.