Tragic: Doctor couple drowns at East Midnapore beach

Kolkata: In a tragic incident, a Kolkata-based doctor couple lost their lives after drowning at Tajpur beach in East Midnapore. Their bodies were spotted by fishermen and later recovered by the police.  

The incident has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity, with the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) stating that the couple were courageous and had stood by the association in its fight for justice for Abhaya.

According to TOI sources, the deceased have been identified as 32-year-old Kuntal Chakraborty, a general surgeon and his wife, 30-year-old Shailaja Bhardwaj, a gynaecologist. The couple, residents of Ghola in Sodepur, were working at a private hospital in Kolkata and had been married for around two years.

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According to police, the couple had travelled to Tajpur by car on Wednesday. After reaching the beach, they reportedly entered the sea despite high-tide conditions.

TOI reported that preliminary information suggests that Shailaja was struggling in the strong current, and Kuntal drowned and was swept away while attempting to rescue her.

Their bodies were spotted by fishermen near Biswa Bangla beach in Tajpur. Immediately, they informed the Mandarmani Coastal Police Station. After this, the police reached the spot, recovered the bodies and transported them to Balisai Hospital, where they were declared brought dead.

The police have registered a case of unnatural death, and an investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Speaking to TOI, a relative said, "They left for Tajpur on Wednesday morning. After reaching the beach, they entered the sea. Due to the strong tide, Shailaja began to drown. Kuntal drowned while trying to save his wife."

A neighbour said, "We are deeply saddened to hear of their death. They were known as kind people and excellent doctors. We are unable to come to terms with such a tragic loss."

Additional superintendent of police (rural) Atish Biswas told The Telegraph, "From the initial investigation, we have come to know that the doctor couple went to the sea during high tide on Wednesday evening in a relatively secluded area of Tajpur. The tide was rising at that time, and they were swept away by strong waves and drowned. The bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem."

Expressing deep condolences over their deaths, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front said, "Two extraordinary, compassionate human beings. As doctors, they carried a deep sense of responsibility and humanity in everything they did. Even within their demanding professional lives, they stood firmly beside every fight for justice. They walked with us in every Abhaya march and every programme, quietly yet unshakeably. Their presence always gave strength to the movement."

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