Hospital's temporary staff arrested for molesting pharmacy student in Gaighata

A young pharmacy student faced a terrifying ordeal while on training at Chandpara Rural Hospital in North 24 Parganas yesterday. The girl had stepped into the toilet when a long-time temporary hospital worker, Ratan Malakar (resident of Habra area), allegedly blocked her way, made filthy and indecent remarks, gave indecent proposals and tried to molest her. Shaken and scared, she managed to escape.

Furthermore, she went straight to Gaighata police station and filed a written complaint the same day. Police acted swiftly and arrested Ratan Malakar late night. The accused, who has been working at the hospital for years on contract, was produced at Bongaon court today. The incident has sparked outrage in the area and raised serious questions about the safety of female patients and trainees inside government hospitals, especially in remote rural facilities.

Chandpara Rural Hospital authorities have stayed tight-lipped, but locals and women’s groups are demanding CCTV installation, stricter background checks for temporary staff, and better security for women. The case highlights yet again how vulnerable young students and patients can be even inside places meant for care and healing in Bengal.