The RG Kar Hospital rape case has sparked widespread protests across the country, bringing the issue of women’s safety to the forefront. As the investigation progresses with ongoing interrogations and arrests, the situation has been further complicated by a surge of questions, counterclaims, and narratives circulating on social media. These claims, often unsubstantiated and emotionally charged, have the potential to skew public perception and create confusion.
Several instances illustrate how misinformation and disinformation are spreading in this case, contributing to the public’s uncertainty:
- Victim’s Alleged Suicide: Conflicting reports have emerged regarding who informed the victim’s parents of the case as a suicide. Initially, it was claimed that hospital staff relayed this information, while the police have categorically denied informing the parents about any such incident. The victim’s parents later confirmed that the hospital staff had communicated this to them.
- False Post-Mortem Report Claims: A claim circulating on social media alleged that the post-mortem report indicated 150 grams of semen were found in the victim’s body. This claim is entirely false, as no such details were reported in the official post-mortem findings. Moreover, biological fluids are measured in milliliters, not grams.
- Broken Pelvic Bone Claim: Another incorrect assertion was made that the post-mortem report revealed a broken pelvic bone. The official report, however, contradicts this claim.
- Number of Assailants: Whether the victim was raped by one or multiple assailants remains unclear and may only be determined through forensic reports. Additionally, CCTV footage and forensic examination of the crime scene are crucial to the investigation.
- Vandalism at RG Kar Hospital: On August 14th, during citywide protests in Kolkata, vandalism occurred at RG Kar Hospital. Key questions remain unanswered, such as: Who were the individuals involved in the vandalism? How did they arrive? Who brought them there? What was their purpose? What evidence links them to the incident? Were their mobile phones examined by experts? Sharing misinformation can hinder the ongoing investigation of the main case.
- Attack on the Crime Scene: It was widely circulated on social media that the crime scene was attacked. However, the attackers attacked the emergency ward on the ground floor, while the place of occurrence was on the third floor of the hospital.
- Understanding Unnatural Death: The term ‘unnatural death’ has become a topic of discussion. It is important to understand how such cases are recorded at a police station and how they might be linked to the main case, if at all.
Adding to the confusion, a fake letter bearing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) logo was widely shared, falsely claiming that the CBI intended to withdraw from the investigation. The CBI later debunked this misinformation by issuing an official statement.
Numerous other baseless claims and misleading narratives continue to circulate on social media, including the unauthorized sharing of the victim’s identity and photographs, often accompanied by emotional appeals. These actions are not only unjust but also contribute to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, leading people to draw conclusions based on falsehoods.
Such instances of misinformation and disinformation often arise when the flow of accurate information is disrupted. In sensitive cases like this, where emotions run high, maintaining a steady flow of reliable information is essential. Every individual has the right to accurate information, and in cases that attract significant public attention, ensuring transparency is key to preserving trust and ensuring justice.