Horrifying Rape And Murder Of Moumita Debnath Sparks Global Outrage, Police Accused Of Cover-Up

The case has not only drawn attention due to its heinous nature but also because of allegations of a cover-up by local authorities, further intensifying public outrage.

On the morning of August 9, 2024, Dr. Debnath was reported missing by her colleagues after she failed to return from a seminar hall where she had gone to rest after a long shift. Dr. Debnath, specializing in chest medicine, was highly regarded by her peers and known for her dedication to patient care.

According to reports, her body was later found in a semi-nude state, with signs of extreme violence: her eyes, mouth, and genitals were bleeding, and she had multiple fractures and severe trauma to her skull. These injuries clearly indicated a violent struggle and contradicted initial reports from the hospital staff.

The subsequent autopsy report revealed the full extent of the horror. Dr. Debnath had been raped and strangled to death, with over 150 grams of semen found in her body—far exceeding the amount that could be produced by a single individual, leading to suspicions of gang rape. The report also documented severe injuries to her genital tract, lips, neck, and face, underscoring the brutality of the assault. Her eyes were particularly damaged, with shattered lenses from her glasses embedded in them, causing significant bleeding​.

The case became even more controversial when reports emerged that hospital staff had initially tried to cover up the crime. The police first informed Dr. Debnath’s family that she had died by suicide, a claim that was immediately suspicious given the extensive injuries. Additionally, there were reports of a vehicle being intercepted while transporting her body, raising further questions about possible tampering with evidence​.

According to reports, the investigation quickly focused on Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police’s Disaster Management Group. Roy, who had a history of allegations related to extortion and intimidation, was arrested after CCTV footage showed him entering the seminar hall where Dr. Debnath was resting. The footage revealed that he stayed inside for about 45 minutes before leaving, during which time the crime is believed to have occurred. DNA evidence, including traces found under Dr. Debnath’s nails, confirmed his involvement​.

Others claim that Dr. Debnath might have been on the verge of exposing an illegal organ harvesting operation within the hospital. According to these speculations, she may have uncovered evidence of a trafficking ring and was silenced to prevent her from going public. While these claims remain unproven, they have gained traction amid widespread distrust of local authorities and the handling of the investigation​.

Public response to the case has been swift and furious. Protests erupted across India, with doctors and medical students leading the charge. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), along with other medical bodies, suspended all elective services in protest, demanding swift justice and better protection for healthcare workers.

Many have accused the state government of failing to protect women and of attempting to shield those responsible. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing concerns about the local police’s ability to handle the case impartially​.

Internationally, the tragedy has drawn attention from human rights organizations and prompted solidarity protests in several countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US. Celebrities and public figures have also weighed in, using their platforms to demand justice for Moumita Debnath.

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