A woman doctor has resigned from a private nursing home in Raiganj and decided to leave the town because of a feeling of insecurity after police failed to nab a youth who molested her almost a month ago.
The doctor was walking to the hospital to join duties when an unidentified youth on a cycle went close to her and made lewd gestures around 10.30am on July 13.
The woman ignored him and moved ahead.
“Suddenly, he dismounted the cycle, dragged me to a boundary wall and molested me. I hit him with an umbrella and shouted for help at the top of my voice. When some local people rushed in, he fled on the bicycle,” said the doctor in her early thirties.
She went to Raiganj police station and filed a complaint.
“Almost a month has passed and the police could not arrest him. I feel insecure in the town and have tendered my resignation to the nursing home authorities. I will leave Raiganj soon, as I fear the same person might attack me again,” said the doctor.
A doctor associated with the nursing home said: “She has submitted her resignation and is serving the notice period. It is unfortunate that as the police couldn’t nab the youth, a competent doctor is leaving our institution.”
The police said they were probing the case.
“We have gathered CCTV footage of the locality and examining those. Also, raids are being conducted at different locations. The youth would be arrested soon,” said a senior police officer.
The incident has also led to repercussions in political circles.
Basudeb Sarkar, the North Dinajpur district BJP president, has raised questions over the role of the police.
“Such a crime in broad daylight proves that criminals are not bothered about the police. Also, how can the police sit idle and make routine remarks when a woman, who is also a doctor, has been the victim? Her decision shows that people are losing confidence in the police and the administration,” said Sarkar.
Arnab Mondal, a Trinamool leader, said: “It is a rare and unwanted incident. We
have asked local organisations and clubs to keep a watch so that no one faces such harassment. We have confidence in the police and hope the woman doctor will give a second thought before leaving Raiganj.”