Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case has sent shockwaves across the nation. People from all walks of life have taken to streets to demand justice for the 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor whose dead body was found inside the premises of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.
Since then several developments around the incident have taken place which are noteworthy.
19 people arrested: Kolkata Police on August 16 said it arrested 19 people in connection with the vandalism and violence at RG Kar hospital. Those arrested have been remanded to police custody by a city court till 22 August.
During a hearing on Friday on the incident of vandalism, Calcutta High Court noted the incident to be a failure of the ‘state machinery’.
The vandalism took place on Wednesday night when people across West Bengal had given a call to protest at night.
Following the incident, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited RG Kar on Thursday to assess the situation and assured all-possible assistance to the protesting doctors.
CBI takes over the case: The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) is conducting a thorough investigation, including a medical examination of Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, who was taken into custody. Roy is one of the prime accused in the case till now.
Forensic evidence: The CBI’s Special Crime Unit is examining the seminar hall for forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, footprints, hair, and semen, to establish a connection between Roy and the murder.
Allegations of gang rape: The victim’s parents have alleged that their daughter was gang raped, supported by forensic evidence, reportedly, indicating 150 mg of semen found in her body which indicates that not just one person was involved in the incident.
Post-mortem report: The autopsy report indicates the trainee doctor suffered multiple injuries and was smothered to death, with a time of death estimated between 3 and 5 am on the day of the incident.
Misreporting of the incident as suicide: The Calcutta High Court questioned the state government that why the case was reported as suicide, although autopsy, reportedly, suggests that more than one people were involved in the matter.
Ongoing protests: Striking doctors are demanding a Central Healthcare Protection Act to enhance safety measures for medical personnel amidst concerns about rising violence against them. Despite the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations FORDA calling off the strike, various medical organisations, including the resident doctors’ association at AIIMS Delhi, continue protesting against inadequate protective measures.
Claim of victim’s parents: The parent’s petition claims that no arrests have been made for potential accomplices, emphasising the complexity of the crime that likely involved more than one perpetrator.
Involvement of RG Kar’s former principal: Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former head of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was, reportedly, asked to go on leave after concerns were raised over his leadership and response during the case. Dr Ghosh faced backlash for comments perceived as victim-blaming and for failing to maintain adequate safety for staff, after which he resigned from his post. However, in a surprising turn of events, he was reinstated as Principal of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital just 24 hours later.
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