RG Kar rape-murder victim’s father still awaits death certificate after 7 months, alleges harassment

Seven months after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College, her family is still struggling to obtain her death certificate. The victim’s father has alleged that officials at Swasthya Bhavan, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and the hospital administration are not cooperating, forcing them to visit multiple offices without any resolution. He claims that wherever they go, officials cite procedural rules but do not provide a clear reason for the delay.

The doctor was raped and murdered on duty at RG Kar Medical College on August 9, 2024, an incident that triggered nationwide outrage. The victim’s last rites were conducted on the same day. However, her father claims that he has not received the official death certificate despite repeated applications. "We have not yet received our daughter's death certificate. Whenever we go to collect it, officials from various departments harass us. They tell us that issuing the death certificate is against the rules," he stated.

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has raised questions over the delay, alleging that the victim’s parents are being forced to run from one office to another. He has urged Chief Minister and Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, as well as Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, to ensure that the family is not harassed further. "Abhaya’s last rites were conducted secretly by TMC leaders and Kolkata Police. Yet, her parents are still running pillar to post," Adhikari said in a post on X. He has demanded a CBI investigation into the delay, stating that the government must clarify why the certificate has not been issued.

The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order from the Calcutta High Court. The investigation led to the conviction of citizen volunteer Sanjay Roy, who was found guilty of rape and murder. A lower court sentenced him to life imprisonment until death. However, the victim’s father claims that even after the conviction, the procedural delays surrounding the death certificate continue without explanation.

The family has appealed multiple times to government offices, but no official response has been provided regarding the reason for the delay. The victim’s father has stated that they will continue their efforts until they receive the document. No statements have been issued by Swasthya Bhavan, KMC, or the hospital administration regarding the matter.