In a dramatic turn of events, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, Principal of RG Kar Medical College, has resigned following widespread outrage and intense criticism stemming from the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor on the college campus. Dr. Ghosh, who has been at the center of a storm of controversy, cited relentless social media backlash and political statements made in his name as reasons for his resignation, declaring that he "cannot take the humiliation" any longer.
Dr. Ghosh, who was accused of victim blaming in the aftermath of the tragic incident, vehemently denied the allegations. "Students are being provoked to ensure my removal. I want the accused to be punished. I am being defamed. I have not made such remarks," he told the media this morning, as reported by NDTV.
In a poignant statement, Dr. Ghosh expressed his personal anguish over the incident: "The girl who died was like my daughter. I am also a parent. As a parent, I am resigning." He also addressed his professional future, asserting, "I am an orthopaedic surgeon and can earn my livelihood. Everyone thought Sandip Ghosh cannot resign. I am honest. After I took over, I cracked down on corruption. I have worked for the development of the hospital and in the interest of the patients."
The resignation comes in the wake of the horrific rape and murder that occurred on August 9, which has sparked significant outrage and led to widespread protests. In response, the Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA) has called for a nationwide suspension of elective services, including outpatient departments (OPD), wards, and elective surgeries, on August 12, to show solidarity with the residents of RG Kar Medical College.
Prominent medical institutions in the national capital, such as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and Maulana Azad Medical College, have also announced the suspension of elective services in support of the protest.
The incident has ignited a political firestorm in West Bengal. On August 10, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee proposed the introduction of an ordinance or bill to expedite rape trials, condemning what he described as the political exploitation of the tragedy.
In the wake of Dr. Ghosh?s resignation, Professor Dr. Bulbul Mukhopadhyay has been appointed as the new Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principal of RG Kar Medical College. Dr. Mukhopadhyay, who previously served as a Professor of Physiology at the college, replaces the former Medical Superintendent, who has been transferred to Calcutta National Medical College as a Professor in Physiology.
