West Bengal’s Safety Crisis: Teen Assaulted at Howrah Hospital, Nurse Harassed in Birbhum
West Bengal's Safety Crisis: Teen Assaulted at Howrah Hospital, Nurse Harassed in Birbhum
West Bengal is grappling with yet another distressing case of sexual assault, adding to a troubling trend in the state. On Saturday, a 13-year-old girl undergoing treatment for pneumonia at a Howrah hospital was allegedly molested by a lab technician. The incident reportedly occurred around 10 p.m. when the girl was taken for a CT scan. According to her family, she emerged from the scan room in tears, seeking help from another patient’s relative.
The relative, who filmed the aftermath, chased down the accused, Aman Raj, a contractual employee at the hospital. The police were alerted by the girl’s mother, who had rushed to her side upon hearing her cries.
The news of the assault quickly spread, sparking outrage among local residents. The girl’s family and others gathered at the hospital to protest, with some attempting to assault the accused. Police intervened, rescuing Raj from the mob and arresting him based on the family’s complaint.
This incident follows a similar case in Birbhum district, where a man was detained for molesting a nurse at a government health center. The accusations came to light after the nurse reported the assault while on duty. Hospital authorities in both cases acted swiftly, notifying the police and initiating investigations.
The recent surge in such incidents has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that “she has done nothing” to enforce strict regulations for sexual assault and child protection cases. He accused the state government of failing to create safe environments for women.
Adding to the outcry, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “This appalling incident reflects the dire state of women’s safety in hospitals across West Bengal.” She urged for significant changes to ensure women’s safety.
These incidents come in the wake of the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which had already ignited massive protests and demands for improved safety measures in hospitals. The continuous reports of sexual violence in healthcare settings underscore a critical need for immediate reforms to protect women and children across the state.
