Kolkata, September 16: Almost a month after the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital sparked nationwide protests by the medical community. A disturbingly similar case has emerged from another Kolkata hospital. At the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Park Circus, a 26-year-old ward boy, Tanay Pal, allegedly disrobed, molested and recorded a woman while she slept next to her ailing daughter early on Sunday, September 15. After the woman caught Pal, she promptly alerted police, leading to his arrest.

According to the Times of India report, the woman, who had been admitted to the hospital with her four-year-old daughter suffering from severe diarrhoea and dehydration, discovered Pal's actions when she woke up to find him disrobing her and recording the incident on his mobile phone. This alarming breach of privacy and safety led to a swift response from hospital authorities and the police. Kolkata Doctor Rape Murder Case: Supreme Court To Hear Plea on September 17 Amidst Continuing Strike by Medics in West Bengal.

Following the complaint, the hospital swiftly terminated Pal's employment. Joydeb Ray, the principal of ICH, confirmed that this was the first such complaint at the hospital and emphasised the immediate measures taken, including involving law enforcement. The police have seized Pal’s mobile phone, which is being examined for forensic evidence, and are also reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital to corroborate the claims. Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Autopsy Report of Trainee Doctor at RG Kar Medical College Indicates Multiple Penetrations, Injuries to Several Parts of Body.

As per the report, Pal, who was residing in Baruipur, is originally from Tripura and had migrated to Kolkata for work. He has been charged under sections 74 (assault with intent to outrage modesty), 76 (criminal force with intent to disrobe), and 77 (voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). The arrest was carried out by Karaya police. As per an India Today report, Pal was produced before a local court and is currently in police custody.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2024 05:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).