A 30-year-old nurse was discovered deceased in a washroom at the state-run NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata shortly after starting her night shift, according to police reports. She began her duty at the hospital’s high-dependency unit at approximately 8 pm on Wednesday. At around 10.30 pm, she entered the staff washroom located in the antenatal ward of the Gynaecology Department building.

Concerns arose when her colleagues noticed she had not returned after a significant interval. Upon checking on her, they found the washroom door locked and, after repeated attempts to elicit a response, broke the door open. Inside, they discovered her unconscious on the floor. Despite a doctor’s intervention, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation Underway

Authorities from the Entally police station, alongside members of the Detective Department’s Homicide team, arrived at the hospital following the report of the incident. A preliminary investigation revealed no apparent injuries on the body, and no suicide note was located at the scene. Several medicine vials were found near the deceased, prompting investigators to ascertain if she had taken them into the washroom while on duty.

Detectives suspect a potential overdose of an anaesthetic drug administered through injection might be a contributing factor in her death. However, police are exploring all possible scenarios to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing. Furthermore, her colleagues and family members have been interviewed to understand her recent behaviour and emotional state.

The police are reviewing the sequence of events from the time she reported for work on Wednesday night until her entry into the washroom. Investigators are also examining the relationship between her movements and the medicine vials found in proximity to her body. The nurse had reportedly been married for around one year.

Health Minister’s Response

The Minister stated that the exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report is released. Following her husband’s request to conduct the postmortem at a different facility, authorities agreed to transfer the body to Kolkata Medical College, where the examination will be conducted under the oversight of the forensic medicine department head.

In response to the incident, the health department has established an internal committee composed of eight members to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances of the nurse’s death. This committee, led by the chief of the forensic medicine department, includes several senior hospital officials and began its investigation on Friday. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings to the state health education department within a week.

Continuing Investigations by Authorities

Minister Mukherjee emphasised the importance of awaiting scientific findings rather than speculation regarding the case. He expressed condolences, noting that the health department resembles a family, and the tragic event is deeply saddening for all involved. Investigations both by the police and the health department’s internal committee continue to unfold.

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