Protests continued in Kolkata on Monday over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Hospital. Junior doctors marched from the Calcutta National Medical College to the Kolkata Police Headquarters, Lalbazaar, demanding swift justice. In another part of the city, medics formed a human chain, blocking roads to highlight their demand for accountability. The tragic incident occurred on August 9th, when the postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital.
The medical community across the country is united in their grief and outrage, with doctors in Delhi also joining the protests. The Delhi Medical Association, in a statement issued by its State Secretary, Dr. Prakash Lalchadani, announced that only emergency services would be operational in Delhi hospitals until justice is served. The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the case, providing hope for a fair and swift investigation.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is now investigating the case, is exploring multiple angles. The CBI has received permission to conduct a polygraph test on Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer arrested in connection with the case. The Calcutta High Court, following this decision, has deferred the hearing in the matter until August 29th.
The CBI is probing four key aspects of the case:
1.
Role of Ex-Principal Sandip Ghosh:
The CBI is investigating the potential involvement of the former principal of the hospital, Sandip Ghosh, in the events leading to the doctor’s death.2.
Whereabouts of Four Doctors:
The investigation team is trying to locate the four doctors who had dinner with the victim before she was found dead.3.
Psychological Test of Suspect:
The CBI is planning to conduct a psychological assessment of Sanjay Roy, the primary suspect, to understand his motives and actions.4.
Statements from Victim’s Family and Friends:
The investigation team is gathering statements from the victim’s parents and friends to gain insights into her life, routines, and any potential threats she might have faced.The tragic incident has shaken the medical community, with the victim’s parents expressing their deep anguish and loss of faith in the West Bengal government. They have criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her inadequate response to the tragedy and her alleged attempts to silence the voices demanding justice.
The autopsy report, which revealed extensive external and internal injuries on the victim’s body, confirmed that she was sexually assaulted before her death. The report also highlighted the presence of a “white thick viscid fluid” in her private parts, further corroborating the evidence of sexual assault. The Calcutta High Court advocates organized a protest march, echoing the widespread call for justice and swift punishment for the perpetrator.
The Federation of All India Medical Association, despite a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ending without an agreement, has vowed to continue their protests. The case has sparked national outrage, prompting the Supreme Court to take direct cognizance of the matter. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is set to hear the case on Tuesday, August 15th.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits justice for the slain doctor and seeks accountability from the authorities.
