Dr. Suhrita Paul, who had recently been appointed as the principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was dismissed from her position on Wednesday, just 10 days after her appointment. The West Bengal government made this decision after students demanded the removal of officials who were in charge when the hospital was vandalized on August 15.
Dr. Paul had assumed the role of principal on August 12, following the resignation of the former dean, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, amid the public outcry over the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor.
In addition to Dr. Paul, the hospital’s superintendent and the head of the Chest Department were also removed from their positions.
Earlier in the day, students and resident doctors, protesting the horrific incident, marched towards the West Bengal Swasthya Bhawan to voice their demands. During a meeting with health department officials, they insisted that all administrative personnel, including the Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principal (MSVP) and the Principal, present during the vandalism, should be replaced.
As a result, the West Bengal government ordered the removal of Dr. Paul and other officials.
Manas Bandopadhyay, who was previously the principal of Barasat Medical College and Hospital, will now take over as the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital in the early hours of August 9 sparked widespread outrage among the medical community. The tragedy led to protests by women across the city.
Days later, the hospital was attacked by a mob, resulting in injuries and prompting the police to use tear gas to control the situation. Video footage captured the mob vandalizing the hospital’s emergency ward and damaging police vehicles parked outside.