Dr. Moumita Debnath was a trainee doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, India. She was tragically raped and murdered in a seminar room on campus on August 9, 2024. Her death sparked widespread outrage and protests, leading to calls for justice and greater safety for women in India.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of sexual violence against women in India, particularly in educational institutions. It has also raised questions about the safety of healthcare professionals, who often work long hours in isolated environments.
The investigation into Dr. Debnath’s murder is ongoing, and the accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, has been arrested. The case has attracted significant public attention, and many people are following the developments closely.
Background Summary
| Full Name | Moumita Debnath |
| Date of Birth | 1993 |
| Place of Birth | India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Location | R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Belgachia, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Violence Type | Rape and Murder |
| Occupation | Trainee Doctor |
| Date | August 9th, 2024 |
| Arrest | 1 (as of recent reports) |
| Age | 31 Years Old |
Incident
On the night of August 8th, a 31-year-old female doctor completed her duties with dedication, as she had done many times before. After her shift, she shared a quiet meal with her junior colleagues around 2 AM. Tired from the long hours, she sought a brief moment of rest.
With no proper resting area for doctors, she ended up settling down in the seminar room, which had become an improvised space for those working late. Tragically, this would be the last time she found rest in what had always been a routine occurrence
The Next Day
On the morning of August 9th, Assistant Superintendent Dwaipayan Biswas contacted the family with heartbreaking news, informing them that their daughter had died by suicide.
When the devastated family arrived at the hospital, they were forced to wait outside for three agonizing hours, unable to see their daughter’s body. This added a new layer of suffering to their grief and pain.
Upon finally gaining access to see her, the family was met with a disturbing scene: their daughter’s body lay exposed. Her legs were positioned unnaturally at a right angle, indicating severe injury to her pelvic area.
Adding to their horror, her body was discovered in another room undergoing construction just across the hall. The family was left with a flood of questions, troubled by the troubling inconsistencies that surrounded her death.
READ ALSO: Hareem Farooq Biography: Wiki, Age, Personal Life, Relationship Status, Social Media, Net Worth
Investigation
The initial autopsy report revealed horrifying details:
A staggering 150 grams of semen was found in her body, a shocking contrast to the average of 15 grams produced by a typical male. Her eyes were severely damaged, with the shattered lenses of her glasses lodged into them, causing severe bleeding.
Her lips showed signs of being beaten, and there was clear evidence of a violent struggle. Her death was estimated to have taken place between 3 AM and 5 AM on August 9, 2024.
These findings made it undeniably clear that she had been the victim of a brutal sexual assault, leaving her family and community to wrestle with deep sorrow and anger.
CCTV footage helped identify the primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, a Civic Assistant, who has since been taken into police custody and will remain there until August 23.
Sanjay confessed to the heinous crime, making him the only person arrested in connection with the case so far. This revelation has only deepened the family’s anguish, and the community continues to demand justice as they grapple with the shocking betrayal and horror of the crime.
READ ALSO: Zain Imam Biography: Age, Wiki, Personality, Movies, Awards, Recognitions, Social Media
Court Proceedings
Following the tragic events, the victim’s parents expressed deep mistrust in the State Police, fearing that the investigation would be mishandled and those responsible would escape justice. In their search for answers, they met with Mamata Banerjee, the Home and Health Minister of Bengal, on August 12.
In response, Mamata urged the state police to wrap up their investigation by August 18. However, on August 13, the Court intervened by ordering a CBI probe, intensifying the pursuit of justice amid the family’s overwhelming grief.
On the night of August 15, an overwhelming group of 7,000 individuals converged on the college grounds, either through planned action or a severe lapse in oversight, to wipe out evidence and destroy vital proof related to the case.
The police, despite the seriousness of the situation, were unable—or perhaps unwilling—to take control of the situation, leaving the community in a state of deep frustration and confusion. This raises an important question: were the State Police truly powerless, or were they hampered by other forces? This uncertainty has only compounded the family’s heartache.
The High Court has strongly reprimanded Mamata Banerjee and the State Police for their apparent inability to handle the crisis. The Court questioned, “It’s difficult to believe the police were unaware of what was unfolding,” especially since Section 144, which prohibits large public gatherings, was active at the time.
The Court further remarked, “You should have sealed off the area,” while calling the situation “an outright failure of the state apparatus.” The Court also posed a critical question: “So, the police cannot protect their own personnel? This is an unacceptable state of affairs. How can doctors be expected to work without fear under these conditions?” So far, 19 individuals from the mob have been apprehended.
READ ALSO: Virat Kohli Biography: Profile, Career Info, Stats, Age, Wife, Family, Instagram, Awards, Net Worth
Public Reactions
The 2024 Kolkata rape and murder of Dr. Moumita Debnath triggered widespread outrage across India, sparking national protests and an outpouring of demands for justice. Medical associations staged strikes, with over 8,000 doctors in Maharashtra halting services, while protests broke out in Kolkata and other cities.
Celebrities added their voices to the growing outcry, with Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Alia Bhatt taking to social media to demand justice. Sporting figures like Sourav Ganguly and Mohammed Siraj called for harsh punishment for the perpetrators, while former cricketer Harbhajan Singh urged West Bengal’s leadership to act quickly.
The international community also rallied, with protests organized in nations such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. The incident has intensified calls for reforms and stronger protections for women and healthcare professionals across the country.