Controversy has arisen over the installation of the statue of a rape and murder victim doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This statue was built by the protesting junior doctors. According to artist Asit Sain, who created the statue, this statue named ‘Cry of the Hour’ depicts the pain and fear of the victim in the last moments of her life. Installed on a high slab, this statue shows a crying female figure and has been installed near the Principal’s office by RG Kar. A junior doctor at the hospital said, “The statue is not of the victim but is a symbol of the pain and torture she endured and the ongoing protests.”
However, an uproar has arisen regarding the installation of the statue of the trainee doctor. Many people on social media have condemned it and called it insulting and insensitive. One user wrote on social media platform Another user wrote, “I am shocked at how insensitive this is. To immortalize someone’s pain. To make someone known only for sexual exploitation. I hope this statue is removed soon.”
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticized
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh has also criticized the doctors for installing the statue of the trainee doctor, saying it is against the Supreme Court guidelines on disclosing the name and identity of the victim. He tweeted, “No responsible person can do this. Not even in the name of art. There will be protests and justice will be demanded. But the face of the girl writhing in pain in the statue is not right. There should be no pictures or statues of the victim.” There are guidelines not to use.”
We will keep fighting for justice – Doctor
On this matter, India Today quoted Dr. Debdutt of RG Kar Hospital as saying, “We have not broken any rules or ignored the court order. This is just a symbolic statue. We want to show the authorities that What happened and how he suffered, we will continue to fight for justice.”
doctors’ demands
It is noteworthy that junior doctors are starting the strike again from Tuesday. He has accused the West Bengal government of not fulfilling the promises made in September. Doctors had partially resumed services after 42 days of strike but have now decided to go back to work alleging that their key demands like increasing safety measures for medical staff were not implemented. The major demands raised by the Bengal Junior Doctors Front include installation of CCTV cameras in hospital premises, round-the-clock security for health workers and strict protocols to prevent similar incidents of violence against medical professionals.