Unmasking Lies: Kolkata Police Debunks Myths, Upholds Justice

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 17^th August. The recent rape and murder of a young doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata has shaken the entire country to its core. The heinous crime has not only left people disturbed but has also sparked widespread anger, leading to protests across India. Women have taken to the streets, and doctors have gone on strikes, demanding justice and stricter safety measures for women. However, amid the rightful outrage, several pieces of misinformation have surfaced, complicating the narrative and potentially derailing the pursuit of truth.

As details of the brutality inflicted on the 31-year-old doctor emerged, many false claims began circulating online, some even from official sources. Kolkata Police, however, has actively debunked these myths, ensuring that the truth remains at the forefront of the investigation. Here are some of the most significant claims that have been rejected by the authorities:

Fractures in the Victim’s Body

One of the most pervasive claims was that the victim had suffered multiple fractures, including a pelvic girdle fracture. This information was widely shared on social media, particularly through an Instagram template. However, the autopsy of the doctor, which was performed in the presence of a magistrate and recorded on video, does not mention any fractures. Kolkata Police have categorically denied this claim, urging people to refrain from spreading unverified information.

The ‘Unnatural Death’ Case

The filing of an ‘unnatural death’ case has been a point of contention, with many questioning why a murder case was not immediately registered. The Calcutta High Court has criticized the hospital administration for not filing a complaint. However, police have clarified that filing an unnatural death case is a standard legal procedure in the absence of a formal complaint. Such cases can later evolve into murder investigations depending on the findings of the post-mortem report or after a complaint is filed.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal explained, “An unnatural death case is a natural process in situations like these. Murder is an unnatural death, and when there’s no immediate complaint, an inquest is necessary, which is initiated through an unnatural death case. This should not be misconstrued as an attempt to hush up the matter.”

150 mg of Semen Found

Another sensational claim was that 150 mg of semen was found in the victim’s body, implying a gang rape. This information was reportedly sourced from a petition filed by the victim’s family in the Calcutta High Court. However, the police chief has dismissed this claim, stating that no such evidence has been found. “Someone mentioned 150 mg of semen being found, but I don’t know where this information came from. It’s being circulated widely in the media, causing confusion,” said Mr. Goyal during a press conference.

Names of Suspects

Social media has been abuzz with posts naming certain colleagues of the doctor as suspects. Sources indicate that the victim’s parents have shared a list of names with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), but no agency has officially named any suspects, apart from a civic volunteer who has been arrested.

The Son of a Powerful Politician

One of the most damaging rumors was that one of the doctor’s junior colleagues, who is allegedly involved, is the son of a powerful politician. The police have refuted this claim, clarifying that the individual in question is the son of a teacher from Bankura, not a politician. Such fake narratives, the police say, are being propagated to suggest that influential figures are being shielded.

Concerns Over Leaked Information

Amidst the flood of misinformation, there are serious concerns about how the victim’s name, along with an unverified copy of a prescription written by her, was leaked on social media. This leak violates the Supreme Court guidelines on the reportage of sexual assault cases, which mandate strict confidentiality to protect the dignity of the victim and the integrity of the investigation.

Conclusion

The rape and murder of the young doctor in Kolkata is a harrowing reminder of the deep-seated issues of safety and justice in our society. While the public’s outrage is justified, it is equally important to approach such tragedies with responsibility and discernment. The spread of misinformation—whether intentional or not—undermines the integrity of the investigation and can lead to misplaced anger and mistrust.

In this digital age, where information travels faster than ever, it is crucial that both authorities and citizens prioritize facts over sensationalism. The police, in this case, have made commendable efforts to debunk false claims and keep the investigation on track. However, the onus also falls on each of us to ensure that our actions and words do not inadvertently cause further harm.

This case should not just serve as a catalyst for stricter laws and better protection for women, but also as a lesson in the responsible consumption and sharing of information. The pursuit of justice must be grounded in truth, and we must all contribute to creating an environment where justice is not obstructed by the noise of falsehoods. It is only through collective vigilance and a commitment to the truth that we can hope to see real change and justice for the victims of such heinous crimes.