A Kolkata court recently convicted a volunteer police officer for the rape and murder of a junior doctor. The officer, identified as Ananda Rajkhowa, is a former military personnel enlisted as part of the civil volunteer group West Bengal Police Volunteers. Rajkhowa was charged with committing the crime at the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where the victim was assigned to do her residency.
Rajkhowa allegedly entered the hospital’s female ward late one night and claimed to be seeking treatment for a dog bite. As the female doctor came closer to examine him, he overpowered her and brutally raped her before murdering her in cold blood. The horrifying crime sent shockwaves throughout the medical community, prompting city-wide protests and demands for increased security in hospitals.
The case garnered widespread outrage due to the heartbreaking nature of the attack, as well as the bungled initial investigation by law enforcement. Despite the hospital’s efforts to secure the premises by hiring guards and implementing strict visiting hours, the tragedy unfolded in full view of the medical staff, and the culprit managed to slip away unnoticed.
Rajkhowa, a former member of the Indian Air Force, was eventually arrested after a significant manhunt led by Kolkata Police. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and criminal behavior on his part, prompting calls for a thorough review of volunteer programs operated by law enforcement agencies across India. As Rajkhowa awaits sentencing, the grieving family of the slain doctor and friends continue to demand justice for their loved one.
Following this case, members of society are urging authorities to reevaluate the recruitment processes and screening measures for such volunteer positions within police departments. The tragic consequences of this senseless act of violence have resonated across the nation, igniting a broader conversation about safety and security throughout Indian communities.
