Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: The Supreme Court on Monday set a deadline for the agitating doctors to resume services and asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a fresh status report on Tuesday, September 17. So far, five arrests have been made, including one of prime accused Sanjay Roy. The hospital’s ex-principal Sandip Ghosh has also been arrested in addition to two vendors and a security officer.
The case involved evidence tampering, financial irregularities, delay in registering the case, victim's parents blaming the police over negligence and bribery, among others. Find out is how the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case evolved over the past month, from sexual assault, a broader “criminal nexus” to financial irregularities.
On August 9, 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in semi-naked condition on the fourth floor in the seminar hall of state-run RG KAR Medical College and Hospital. The medical examination revealed the victim sustained external and internal injuries in the sexual assault and was murdered. No FIR was filed for 14 hours.
Kolkata police arrested the accused civic volunteer Sanjay Roy after his “prolonged examination and confession of guilt.” This was when first protest by doctors broke out across West Bengal and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to seek death penalty for assailant.
The West Bengal government transferred the Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College, Sanjay Vashisth, over alleged lapses. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) announces support to agitation in the case, calling for nationwide strike and halt to elective services.
West Bengal CM gave Kolkata Principal seven-day deadline to take appropriate steps in the case while RG Kar Principal, Sandip Ghosh, stepped down.
The Calcutta High Court took cognisance of the matter and termed the case “extremely gruesome” and urged the protesting doctors to resume service. The National Human Rights Commision also took suo moto cognisance. Ordering the former RG Kar Principal to take an extended leave, the Court transferred the case to the CBI, citing no progress. The CBI arrested the accused.
A CBI team comprising 25 members was formed to investigate the case. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee announced a protest rally.
A mob stormed into the state-run hospital on August 15 and vandalised the emergency department and nursing station. IMA called for a nationwide withdrawal of services for 24 hours on August 17.
Police arrested over 19 people over vandalism charges.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) alleged security lapses and tampering of evidence while the IMA sought Prime Minister’s intervention. The Health Ministry vowed to form a committee to address security concerns of healthcare professionals and urged them to resume their duties.
While taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the Supreme Court posted the matter for hearing on August 20.
Sandip Ghosh was questioned by the CBI for the fourth consecutive day. The probe agency was granted permission to conduct a polygraph test on the accused.
A SC bench presided by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud constituted a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol to ensure safety and security of doctors. The SC also directed the state government and Kolkata Police to submit a status report.
The Centre directed the CISF to take over security at the state-run hospital. Meanwhile, Kolkata police suspended three officers over vandalism.
Lie-detection tests were conducted on the main accused, along with six others.
The CBI raided residence of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh, ex-MSVP Sanjay Vashisth and 13 others.
The Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj announced the “Nabanna Abhijan” march on August 27 and sought West Bengal CM’s resignation.
Protesting junior doctors turn down West Bengal government’s invite for talks.
The state government rejected junior doctors' demands for the CM Mamata Banerjees presence and a live broadcast during talks.
The CBI arrested former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh and a Kolkata police officer over delays in the registration of FIR and missing evidence.
