Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 22: West Bengal governor C.V. Ananda Bose issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday following the assault of a woman junior doctor by a traffic home guard at a government hospital in Howrah earlier this week, calling the attack "unacceptable in a civilised society."

In a statement from Raj Bhavan, the Governor said, "Doctors are the lifeline of our society... Violence against doctors is neither civilised behaviour nor desirable." He also urged citizens to respect and recognise the critical role doctors play in public health and care.

The accused, Sheikh Babulal — a traffic home guard with Uluberia Traffic Guard and reportedly known as a local Trinamool Congress strongman — allegedly attacked the junior doctor at Uluberia Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital on Monday. He has since been arrested and removed from duty.

According to the complaint, the doctor was attacked in the maternity ward after treating one of Babulal’s relatives. While she was in the hospital restroom, Babulal and others allegedly barged in, twisted her arm, slapped her, and issued threats of rape and murder. The doctor was rescued by a nurse and other hospital staff.

Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing.