Kolkata, February 2: A 20-year-old second-year MBBS student from RG Kar Medical College was found dead in her room at the Kamarhati ESI Hospital quarters on January 31. The student’s mother, who works as a doctor at the same hospital, discovered her daughter hanging from the ceiling after multiple attempts to contact her went unanswered. Despite immediate attempts to provide medical assistance, Ivy Prasad was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The tragic incident has sparked both grief and concern within the community. Officers from the Barrackpore Commissionerate have initiated investigations, suspecting the student may have been battling depression. Senior police officials confirmed, “Despite repeated calls, there was no response from her. Eventually, her mother broke open the door and found her hanging.”
Authorities have charged the case as one of unnatural death, sending Ivy's body for post-mortem examination at the College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital to ascertain the exact cause of death. Notably, no suicide note was found at the scene.
This incident has reignited conversations about mental health among medical students, especially following the heightened scrutiny RG Kar Medical College has faced since the brutal rape and murder of another trainee doctor back in 2024. Sanjoy Roy, the convicted perpetrator, was sentenced to life imprisonment on January 20, sparking outrage and discussions around women’s safety within medical institutions.
With Ivy’s death occurring just after Roy’s conviction, expressions of anger, frustration, and sorrow are rippling through the medical community. Many alumni and current students have highlighted what they describe as persistent issues of safety and security for women. Protests voicing concern for the safety of healthcare professionals and students have echoed throughout Kolkata since the previous case emerged, with calls for stricter safeguards.
Several organizations dedicated to mental health have risen to the forefront, urging for additional support systems within medical colleges. “Mental health support is pivotal to combatting such tragedies,” mentioned one mental health advocate. Multiple helplines have been established, and organizations are working tirelessly to promote awareness among students.
Ivy Prasad was described by faculty members as quiet and studious, showing no prior indications of distress. This aspect has drawn shock from her peers and educators, who believed she was adapting well to the pressures of medical training. The police now continue their investigation, gathering statements from fellow students and faculty to understand any underlying issues Ivy might have faced.
Simultaneously, Ivy's parents expressed their grief and desire for increased accountability from the college administration. They noted, “This tragedy must serve as wake-up call— institutions must prioritize the mental well-being of their students.”
This situation deepens as many question the college’s handling of mental health resources, especially following the scrutiny related to the earlier rape and murder. Activists and parents from the previous scandal have also echoed calls for comprehensive investigations. Tarit Ojha, the lawyer for the family of the victim from the previous case, emphasizes, “There remains unaddressed misconduct connected to these heinous acts. We must seek systematic reform to guarantee safety across all medical colleges.”
With concerns for the safety and mental health of aspiring doctors on the rise, this recent incident adds another layer to the discourse surrounding RG Kar Medical College. It is anticipated to trigger debates not only about the security measures deployed at medical colleges but also about the mental resilience required to navigate the unforgiving demands of medical training.
Community members and students alike are hoping for changes and increased attention to mental health supports, urging institutional reforms and creating formal avenues for dialogue. Until then, the shadow of these tragic events continues to loom over RG Kar Medical College as all await answers and demand justice for Ivy Prasad and countless others.