Assam: Medical college advises women staff to avoid 'undue attention' after doctor's rape in West Bengal

Just days after the gruesome rape and murder of a trainee doctor in India's West Bengal shocked the nation, a medical college in the state of Assam has advised its female doctors, students, and staff to avoid going out at night and avoid "any undue attention".

The controversial advisory by Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) was issued on Monday (August 12) and comes amid a nationwide outrage over the heinous crimes committed against the trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

What exactly did the advisory say?

As per media reports, the advisorysigned by Principal Dr Bhaskar Guptaurged women staff members and students to stay within the campus at night or at unusual hours.

It also asked them to inform authorities if they needed to leave the hostel or lodging rooms.

"Female doctors, students and staff should, as far as possible, avoid situations where they are alone. Avoid going out of hostels or lodging rooms at night unless it is absolutely necessary and inform the concerned authority in advance," read the advisory.

It also recommended that they avoid "associating with strangers or persons of suspicious nature".

"All hostel residents should follow the hostel rules and administrative regulations made by the institute. Always keep a means of contact available in case of any emergency," it added.

The advisory further suggested them ways to avoid becoming "a victim of any undue attention".

"While on duty, you must remain mentally calm, alert and aware of your surroundings, and interact with people respectfully, so that you do not become a victim of any undue attention."

Backlash ensues

The advisory faced a significant backlash from students and on social media, with many labelling it as "misogynistic" and blaming it for placing the burden of safety on women instead of improving security measures.

Critics argued that instead of telling women to stay indoors, the focus should be on enhancing security arrangements.

The Junior Doctors' Association (JDS) of SMCH also condemned the advisory, describing it as disturbing. They have called for improvements in campus security, including better lighting, enhanced security measures, dedicated washroom facilities, and increased surveillance outside doctors' rooms.

In response to the criticism, the Assam chief minister's Office announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the advisory has been cancelled.

An update on the advisory issued by @SilcharH pic.twitter.com/5BqzJ3YeZ0 — Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) August 14, 2024

"A new advisory will be issued in this regard soon, following NMC (National Medical Commission) norms and government directives," the postsaid.

(With inputs from agencies)