WOMAN DOCTOR ASSAULTED, RAPE THREATS IN BENGAL HOSPITAL; 3 HELD

Uluberia, West Bengal, Oct 22, 2025: A disturbing incident at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital in Uluberia has left the medical community shaken. Three people have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman doctor and threatening her with rape inside the state-run hospital. The accused, identified as Sheikh Samrat, Sheikh Babulal (a Home Guard working as a traffic cop), and Sheikh Hasibul, are reportedly relatives of a patient admitted at the hospital. The incident occurred Monday afternoon following an altercation between the doctor and the patient’s relatives. The victim lodged a complaint with the police, leading to immediate arrests. Authorities confirmed that no security personnel were present at the hospital during the incident, raising concerns about staff safety. The Joint Forum of Doctors, representing medical professionals in Bengal, visited the Uluberia hospital and expressed alarm over increasing attacks on doctors. They called for stricter security measures in hospitals and raised demands for safety protocols to protect medical staff on duty. The incident has triggered a political controversy. The opposition BJP criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress government for failing to ensure women’s safety. Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP, accused the government of negligence, citing the absence of CCTV surveillance and lax security at hospitals. He also pointed to the involvement of a Home Guard among the accused as indicative of systemic issues. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed outrage on social media, highlighting the lack of safety measures for women in Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Majumdar referenced the R.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder case from last year, saying the Uluberia incident shows that women continue to face grave threats in public institutions. He called on the government to take responsibility and improve security protocols immediately. Trinamool Congress, however, condemned the attack and emphasised that the accused have been arrested. Party spokesperson Arun Chakraborty responded to BJP’s criticism by pointing out past cases involving opposition members and questioning selective outrage. He called the incident “condemnable and unfortunate” and reiterated that legal action is underway. Hospital staff described the victim as traumatised, with colleagues reporting heightened anxiety among female doctors following repeated incidents of violence in medical institutions. The case has reignited discussions about hospital safety across West Bengal, particularly for women doctors and frontline staff. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault, including motives and security lapses. They are also examining whether the involvement of a Home Guard represents a larger issue within civic enforcement structures in the state. Authorities have assured strict action and are reviewing hospital security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Uluberia case marks another alarming episode in the state’s ongoing struggle to ensure safety in public healthcare spaces, highlighting systemic gaps and the urgent need for robust protective measures for women professionals. WOMAN DOCTOR ASSAULTED, RAPE THREATS IN BENGAL HOSPITAL Three people were arrested in Uluberia, West Bengal, for allegedly assaulting a woman doctor at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital and threatening her with rape. The accused, including a Home Guard, reportedly had an altercation with the doctor over a patient’s care. The doctor filed a complaint, prompting police action. Hospital staff and the Joint Forum of Doctors expressed concern over rising attacks on medical professionals, citing lack of security. Political leaders criticized the state government, calling for stricter safety measures in hospitals to protect women and ensure accountability.