A junior female doctor was allegedly assaulted and threatened with rape by relatives of a patient at Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital in Uluberia, triggering massive outrage in West Bengal’s political and medical circles. Three individuals, including a traffic home guard, have been arrested in connection with the case.

The incident unfolded on Monday evening when the doctor was attending to a pregnant woman in the maternity ward. Tensions escalated when the woman’s family was informed that a senior doctor would examine the patient after the visiting hours concluded. According to the complaint, the family members became violent and verbally aggressive, leading to a physical assault.

One of the arrested individuals, Sheikh Babulal, a home guard attached to Uluberia Traffic Police, allegedly introduced himself as a high-ranking officer and threatened the doctor. In her written complaint, the victim stated, “The relatives of the pregnant woman did not listen to me. Instead, they started threatening me. The accused punched me on my shoulder, twisted my arm, verbally abused me and threatened that if I go out on the road, they would rape me.”

She also claimed that there were no security personnel present at the hospital during the incident and that she was rescued by nurses. The police promptly filed an FIR, and an investigation is underway.

The other two arrested are Sheikh Hasibur and Sheikh Samrat, the latter being apprehended late Tuesday night after he was identified via CCTV footage. All three have been charged based on the doctor’s complaint.

Medical Community Demands Justice and Safety

The incident has provoked sharp condemnation from Bengal’s medical community. Organisations like the West Bengal Doctors’ Forum, Service Doctors’ Forum, and the Joint Platform of Doctors submitted deputations to hospital authorities, highlighting a repeated pattern of violence against healthcare workers.

A spokesperson from the West Bengal Doctors’ Forum remarked, “This is not an isolated crime but a symptom of lawlessness that has gripped the healthcare system.”

Hospital authorities have since confirmed the formation of an internal inquiry committee. Subir Majumdar, MSVP in charge of the Uluberia medical college, stated: “This is a new medical college, only three years old. An inquiry committee is being formed. Many guards have already been appointed under the Ratri Sathi scheme, but more have been requested.”

TMC Responds: “Zero Tolerance for Such Crimes”

Visiting the hospital following the incident, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Dr Nirmal Majhi assured strict measures would be taken. “We don’t want to go into politics. There was not enough security in the hospital at that time. We have asked for drills to check attendance and preparedness. There will be zero tolerance for such incidents. We have directed that both male and female security guards patrol inside wards, all wearing proper ID cards,” he said.

State Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam confirmed that the health department is closely monitoring the case and has requested a full report from the hospital. “The police have acted swiftly,” he noted.

Political Tensions Flare Between BJP and TMC

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the TMC government, blaming it for the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly regarding women’s safety.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar took to X (formerly Twitter), saying, “After the bone-chilling R.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder incident, the Chief Minister’s loud claims stand completely exposed… The latest proof – the shocking incident at Uluberia Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College in Howrah.”

He continued, “No matter how much the failed Chief Minister @MamataOfficial tries to shirk responsibility, she and her incompetent, exposed police administration are squarely to blame. Under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, women in Bengal are terrifyingly unsafe.”

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya alleged that Trinamool has “created a troubled society” where rogue elements within the police and civic volunteer ranks operate with impunity. “There is no CCTV surveillance. It is an unfortunate incident,” he said.

TMC spokesperson Arun Chakraborty called the incident “condemnable and unfortunate” but responded to the BJP’s criticism by questioning their selective outrage. “All the accused have been arrested. But why was Suvendu Adhikari silent when one of his party workers was arrested in a rape case in Nandigram?” he said.