Are There Security Lapses at the Bengal Hospital Where a Female Staffer Was Raped?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent alleged rape of a female staff member at Panskura Super-specialty Hospital raises serious concerns about security measures. NCW member Archana Majumdar's visit revealed significant gaps in surveillance and accountability. This shocking incident demands urgent attention to ensure the safety of women in healthcare settings.
Key Takeaways
- Insufficient security measures at Panskura Super-specialty Hospital.
- Gaps in surveillance highlighted by NCW member Archana Majumdar.
- Allegations of sexual abuse by the hospital manager.
- Formation of a committee to investigate the incident.
- Need for enhanced protection for women working in healthcare.
Kolkata, Sep 20 (NationPress) Member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Archana Majumdar, visited the Panskura Super-specialty Hospital in West Bengal's East Midnapore district on Saturday. This visit was prompted by the alleged rape of a contractual female staffer last Sunday. During her visit, she expressed concerns regarding the insufficient security measures and surveillance at the hospital.
Majumdar engaged with the hospital’s superintendent, medical professionals, and staff to collect information regarding the alleged incidents.
In a statement to the media post-visit, she highlighted significant gaps in CCTV coverage. She remarked, "The hospital authorities informed me that there are 40 cameras in place and they have applied for an additional 50. However, crucial areas remain uncovered. For instance, in the maternity ward, there are only two cameras and there are none positioned in front of the doctors’ restroom or outside the operation theatre. The surveillance coverage is clearly inadequate.”
In a subsequent post on X, Majumdar stated: "Horrific revelations at Panskura Super Specialty Hospital! I spoke with over 40 women today, including two rape victims. A mother approached me seeking justice for her daughter, who was sexually exploited in 2008 by the same perpetrator. Years of sexual exploitation, religious abuse, hospital syndicate, and administrative negligence have persisted. Even after RG Kar, the system refuses to awaken!"
She emphasized that the NCW would continue to closely monitor the matter. "Women employed in hospitals must be safeguarded. Adequate surveillance, accountability, and security measures are absolutely essential,” Majumdar asserted.
On September 14, a female healthcare staffer at Panskura Super-specialty Hospital accused the facility’s manager of raping her. The main suspect, Zahir Abbas Khan, has since been arrested by the police following the complaint lodged by the female employee at the Panskura Police Station.
Subsequently, numerous women from the hospital came forward with allegations that Khan had summoned them to his office and sexually assaulted them. The allegations became public on Monday (September 15, 2025), leading to the accused's arrest by police in Kolaghat, located 15 km from the hospital.
Khan was the head of the contracting company employing the survivor. The victim further alleged that the suspect had threatened her with death if she disclosed the incident. On Tuesday, large-scale protests erupted at the hospital after staff claimed that previous complaints to the medical superintendent had been ignored.
Majumdar further questioned, "How was the accused, previously imprisoned for raping a minor 17 years ago, acquitted, and why was the case silenced? How did that individual manage to establish one syndicate after another within the hospital? This requires investigation. The state government, health department, and police administration have shown extreme negligence in this case."
On Friday, the East Midnapore District Health Department initiated a five-member committee to investigate the rape incident.
This committee, comprising three female officials from the health department and a female lawyer, visited the Panskura Super Specialty Hospital to conduct their inquiries. They also engaged with the hospital superintendent.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize that the safety of women in healthcare environments is non-negotiable. The shocking incident at Panskura Super-specialty Hospital highlights systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable staff. We must advocate for robust measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, upholding the rights and safety of every woman in our society.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Panskura Super-specialty Hospital?
A female contractual staffer was allegedly raped by the hospital manager, leading to a visit by NCW member Archana Majumdar who raised concerns about security lapses.
What did Archana Majumdar find during her visit?
She discovered significant gaps in CCTV coverage and highlighted the inadequacy of security measures at the hospital.
What actions have been taken following the incident?
The East Midnapore District Health Department has formed a five-member committee, including female officials and a lawyer, to investigate the incident.
