Just a month after the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, India is shaken again by another horrific crime involving a nurse at a private hospital in Bihar. The attempted gang-rape occurred at the RBS Health Care Centre in Gangapur, Samastipur district, where a nurse bravely fought off her assaulters, including a doctor, and managed to escape.
The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday night, involved hospital administrator Dr. Sanjay Kumar and his two associates, Sunil Kumar Gupta and Awadhesh Kumar, the NDTV reported. According to police reports, the nurse was wrapping up her duties when the three men, who were allegedly drunk, attempted to sexually assault her.
In a courageous act of self-defense, the nurse managed to fend off Dr. Kumar by slashing his genitals with a blade. She then fled the scene and hid in a nearby field, where she was able to contact the police.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjay Kumar Pandey commended the nurse for her quick thinking and bravery. “The presence of mind and courage shown by the survivor is praiseworthy,” said DSP Pandey.
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He added that the police acted swiftly after the distress call, ensuring the safety of the nurse and arresting the accused men.
Crime Scene Details and Police Action
Upon arriving at the hospital, the police discovered that the assailants had locked the building from the inside and turned off the CCTV cameras before attempting to carry out the assault. Among the evidence recovered at the scene were a half-empty bottle of liquor, the blade used by the nurse, blood-stained clothes, and three cellphones.
“The fact that these men attempted such a heinous crime in a dry state like Bihar shows their disregard for the law. They will not only face charges for the attempted sexual assault but also for violating prohibition laws,” said DSP Pandey.
Growing Concern Over Safety in Healthcare Sector
This incident comes on the heels of widespread protests across the country after the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata last month. Both cases have sparked national outrage, raising concerns about the safety of women in the healthcare sector and demanding stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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Women’s rights organizations and civil society groups have condemned the incident, calling for immediate justice for the survivor and stricter laws to ensure the safety of female healthcare workers. Many are questioning the safety protocols at hospitals and other healthcare institutions, especially in rural areas.
Legal and Social Implications
As the investigation continues, public opinion is mounting pressure on authorities to bring the culprits to justice swiftly. “We need to have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to crimes against women, especially in places where they are meant to feel safe, like hospitals,” said a local activist.
This case, much like the Kolkata incident, serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women in the workforce, particularly in healthcare. With Bihar’s strict prohibition laws in place, the involvement of alcohol in the crime further complicates the legal ramifications for the accused men.
