High Court orders CBI probe into the shocking murder of junior doctor in Kolkata

The tragic case of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sparked a wave of protests and legal actions, shaking the state of West Bengal and resonating across India. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 9, 2024, has drawn intense scrutiny due to the alleged mishandling by hospital authorities and the state government, leading to widespread public outcry and judicial intervention.

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee was found dead in a seminar hall at the hospital, with her body showing signs of severe trauma, including injuries consistent with sexual assault. The autopsy revealed shocking details, such as bleeding from her eyes and mouth, broken bones, and injuries across her body, indicating she was first strangled and then smothered to death​. The brutal nature of the crime has galvanized the medical community, with doctors across the state and country staging protests demanding justice and better security measures in hospitals​.

The suspect, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer associated with the Kolkata Police, was arrested after investigators linked him to the crime through CCTV footage and other evidence found at the scene. Roy, who had access to various parts of the hospital, reportedly confessed to the crime after his arrest​. His arrest, however, did little to calm the growing unrest among doctors and the public, who were outraged by the initial attempts by the hospital authorities to dismiss the death as a suicide.

The handling of the case by the hospital administration, particularly the actions of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, has been heavily criticized. Dr. Ghosh resigned amid allegations that he attempted to blame the victim for her own death by suggesting it was linked to psychosis. His resignation and subsequent immediate appointment to another position within the state medical system further fueled suspicions of a cover-up, prompting the Calcutta High Court to intervene​.

In response to a public interest litigation filed by the victim’s parents and widespread protests by junior doctors, the Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe. The court criticized the state government’s handling of the case and expressed concerns that the investigation was being deliberately delayed, which could lead to the destruction of evidence and influence over witnesses​. The court also urged the doctors to return to their duties, highlighting the need to balance their demands for justice with their professional obligations to patients.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the arrest of all culprits involved in the crime, warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met. The incident has not only shaken the medical community but also raised broader concerns about the safety of doctors, particularly women, in workplaces across India​.

As the CBI takes over the investigation, the case continues to evolve, with the potential for further revelations and actions in the coming days. The medical community remains vigilant, with ongoing demands for justice and systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.