Protests against rape case in Kolkata

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The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata not only shocked the nation but also triggered a flood of misinformation. The hospital and Kolkata police’s initial attempt to portray the crime as a suicide fuelled suspicions of a cover-up and led to a flood of rumours and false claims.

The controversy surrounding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s handling of previous sexual harassment cases, coupled with criticism of the Kolkata police’s response, set the stage for chaotic reporting. Misleading reports soon began circulating, including unsubstantiated allegations of gang rape and even claims that a porn ring was operating at the hospital.

One of the most damaging pieces of misinformation came from a doctor who claimed to have seen the post-mortem report. This doctor falsely claimed that 151 milligrams of white fluid found inside the victim indicated multiple attackers. However, the CBI later clarified that the fluid was 151 milliliters, not milligrams, and that the crime involved only one perpetrator. Roy Sanjoywho is now in custody.

To further complicate the situation, false reports of multiple fractures in the victim’s bones were refuted by the official autopsy report, which found no such injuries. Further statements by Kolkata Police officials confirmed this, but the claim of fractures continued to circulate.

Politicians have also added to the confusion. Union minister and Bengal BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar accused the Trinamool Congress of a cover-up, pointing to unverified chat screenshots that suggested drug use and sex fraud. RG Kar HospitalMeanwhile, a former employee claimed that the director had become corrupt Sandip Ghoshand claims to have been involved in the trafficking of unclaimed bodies and biomedical waste. However, these allegations lack concrete evidence, which further obscures the truth of the case.