A statue titled "Cry of the Hour" has been unveiled at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking intense debate and controversy. The installation, erected by protesting junior doctors, commemorates the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor that occurred on the premises two months ago.
The statue, situated near the principal's office, depicts the victim's anguish and horror in her final moments, according to artist Asit Sain. Protesters assert that the statue represents not the individual victim but the collective pain and torture endured. "This is a symbol of our ongoing struggle for justice," a protestor stated.
However, the installation has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many labeling it "disrespectful" and "disturbing." Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh condemned the doctors, stating that the statue violates Supreme Court guidelines protecting victim identity. "No responsible person can do that," Ghosh wrote on social media platform X. "There are guidelines against using victims' pictures or statues."
The controversy highlights the tension between memorializing tragedy and respecting victim anonymity. While protesters seek to keep the memory of the heinous crime alive, others argue that the graphic representation may cause additional distress to the victim's family and loved ones.
Hospital authorities have yet to comment on the statue's presence, fueling speculation about its future. As the debate rages on, the "Cry of the Hour" statue serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest for justice and accountability in the face of violence against women.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for improved security measures and stricter laws to combat gender-based violence. The protests continue, with the medical community and citizens alike seeking tangible action to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.