Kolkata doctor rape-murder case highlights: Indian Medical Association to work with Supreme Court task force; doctors to continue strike

Hundreds of IT professionals took part in a rally in Salt Lake Sector 5 on the outskirts of Kolkata, protesting the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Armed with candles and placards, the techies were joined by journalists and media professionals whose offices are located in the area. The rally started from the WEBEL More and went on for 2 km, touring the IT hub of the city.

“I had been to the ‘re-claim the night’ protest in Jadavpur on August 14. I had been to other rallies as well, to express solidarity and also report on them as part of my job. Today I am again walking in this rally as a stakeholder of this movement and an officegoer,” said Soumita Mukherjee who was among the demonstrators.

Similar rallies were held in other parts of the city as well, including Baranagar.

PTI

The BJP slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for evading queries on the Kolkata doctor rape-and-murder case and said his refusal to comment on the issue is an “insult to the victim and all women”.

Mr. Gandhi was in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli to meet the family of a 22-year-old Dalit man, who was shot dead in Salon area in the district when he was asked for his comment on the Kolkata medic rape-and-murder case.

The Congress leader evaded media queries on the issue and said that he would speak on the matter in future as he does not want to be distracted from the issue of the murder of a Dalit youth whose family he met.

PTI

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s intervention to stop attacks on medical professionals, the IMA, in an internal communication, said it will work with the committee appointed by the court on safety, security and other related matters, while asserting that a “central Act on violence is non-negotiable”.

An internal communication sent to all the state presidents and secretaries and local branch presidents and secretaries by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) leadership said a central law on violence is non-negotiable and that the Centre is competent to take an appropriate decision in this regard.

“A central Act against violence is a policy matter. An ordinance in this regard is the demand of the IMA,” it said. The communication also said the IMA headquarters is studying the statement issued by the health ministry in this regard.

PTI

The parents of the woman doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered in a Kolkata hospital, complained to West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose that they did not receive a copy of the FIR.

Mr. Bose, who spoke to her parents twice over the phone during the day, assured them that he would look into the matter. The Governor first spoke to the father of the deceased post-graduate trainee and said that the entire country is standing by them.

Mr. Bose, while talking to the father, enquired about her mother’s health condition and told him that he would be visiting their residence in Sodepur near Kolkata at their convenience.

“We all are with you. You will get justice. Today I am in Delhi, I held discussions in detail about the matter. I will go to your residence as per your convenience,” Mr. Bose was seen telling the father in a video message released by his office.

PTI

The BJP said the Supreme Court’s observations in the rape and murder case of a medic in Kolkata have raised serious questions on the “mindset and morality” of the Mamata Banerjee Government in West Bengal. The party asserted the Centre will leave “no stone unturned” to ensure justice to the victim.

Latching on to the developments in the case, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi also targeted the Congress and its allies, saying if the Constitution is under threat today, it is in West Bengal and the States ruled by the Opposition INDIA bloc constituents.

He also accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of taking action against those seeking justice for the victim and asked people to imagine what would have been the scenario in the country if any of the constituents of the INDIA bloc had been in power at the Centre.

PTI

A U.K.-based Indian students’ group organised a protest in Scotland and submitted a memorandum to the Indian mission in Edinburgh demanding urgent steps to address gender-based violence in the wake of the rape and murder case of a medic in Kolkata.

The Students’ Federation of India–United Kingdom (SFI-UK) held a peaceful demonstration outside India’s Consulate in Edinburgh on Monday and a delegation submitted their memo to the Acting Consul General of India, strongly condemning the brutal rape and murder of the on-duty female doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The group is planning further protests, including a gathering in Liverpool on Wednesday, to continue to highlight their demand for justice in a case that has sent shockwaves across India and among the diaspora.

PTI

Members of different student outfits of Delhi University staged a demonstration on the campus against the rape and murder of a doctor at a State-run hospital in Kolkata. Raising slogans for stronger women’s safety measures, the students took out a march outside the Arts Faculty seeking justice for the victim.

Led by All India Students Association (AISA) and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), the students carried posters and banners bearing slogans such as “India should unite for women safety”, “reclaim the streets”, and “smash patriarchy”. The protestors demanded action against the accused and a transparent investigation.

PTI

The police on resorted to a “mild lathi-charge” and arrested over 20 ABVP activists after a scuffle between them during a march to the West Bengal health department headquarters to protest against the alleged rape and murder of an RG Kar Hospital medic. The protestors demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who also doubles up as the State’s Health and Home Minister.

A senior officer said the police had put up barricades on several roads leading to Swasthya Bhavan, which the ABVP activists tried to breach. “We have only one demand - the resignation of the Chief Minister. What happened at the (R.G. Kar) hospital is unthinkable,” a woman ABVP activist said.

PTI

Major doctors’ associations announced that they would continue their strike until the Health Ministry takes concrete action on the issue of Clinical Practice Allowance (CPA).

On the ninth day of the strike, both the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA) and the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) released statements following Tuesday’s Supreme Court hearing in the Kolkata rape and murder case.

“Following today’s Supreme Court hearing in the Kolkata rape and murder case, the FAIMA Doctors Association held a pan-India meeting with all associated Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs),” the FAIMA said.

PTI

“We earnestly appeal to all the doctors that we are here to ensure that their safety and protection is the matter of highest national concern. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the high court”, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said.

The apex court was hearing a suo-motu case related to the alleged rape and killing of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata amid nationwide protests over the incident.- PTI

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday welcomed the pronouncements of Supreme Court while hearing a suo motu case related to the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

He said that the entire nation heard with great relief the pronouncements of the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, few months ago he was accused of sexual assault by a Raj Bhaven employee in Kolkata.

In a press release issued by Central Bureau of Investigation, it has alarmed the public about a letter written on a claim that CBI is withdrawing from investigating the rape and murder of Kolkata doctor due to political pressure.

CBI stated that the contents of said letter are false and hence vehemently denied.

“A fake letter in the name of a person named Dr Akash Nag and claiming to be DIG, Joint Director, Crime Branch, Kolkata under the official banner “Central Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Deputy Inspector General, Anti Corruption Branch, Kolkata” and addressed to Union Home Secretary is circulating in Social Media through Whatsapp, etc, about the case related to rape and murder of a trainee doctor of RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata. It is clarified that the said letter is fake one. The investigation of the case is being handled by CBI Headquarter, Delhi. Moreover, there is no officer in CBI by the name and designation of Dr. Akash Nag, DIG, Joint Director, Crime Branch, ACB, Kolkata”, it stated in its statement.

All State Governments and UT Governments, through their Secretaries, in the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and the Central Government, through the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare must collate information from all hospitals run by the State and the Central Government, respectively on how many security personnel are employed at each Hospital and each department, said a bench led by CJI Chandrachud.- PTI

Lawyers for TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who posted in social media seeking interrogation of Kolkata police commissioner by the CBI in the RG Kar medical college and hospital alleged rape and murder case, on Tuesday told the Calcutta High court that they have reached a settlement on the issue.

Mr. Roy’s lawyer told the court he has agreed to delete the X-handle message in which he sought custodial interrogation of the police commissioner and ex-principal of the medical college, while the state’s counsel said they will not take any action against him in connection with the issue.

Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, hearing both the parties, said he will pass an order on Wednesday in this regard after Mr. Roy deletes the social media message and the state submits a report in this regard staying that it will not take any subsequent action against him.- PTI

The probe against Mr. Ghosh commenced after a four-member SIT was constituted to investigate the alleged financial irregularities at the hospital where the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was found earlier this month.

The police are likely to summon Mr. Ghosh in connection with its investigation, the officer said.- PTI

In the wake of protests by healthcare professionals against the rape and murder of a resident doctor at a hospital in Kolkata, the Kerala government has ordered a space audit to ensure safety of the employees in medical colleges in the state.

State Health Minister Veena George has directed the Director of Medical Education to carry out the audit, the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The direction was issued by the minister in a high-level meeting of medical colleges called by her, the statement said.

The conduct of the space audits has to be ensured at the institution-level by the principals and at the state-level by the Director of Medical Education, it said. - PTI

In a letter addressed to the Super of the hospital, the doctors’ association wrote: “The decision comes in light of the government’s acceptance of all critical demands put forward by residents of India...”

The Calcutta High Court allowed the West Bengal BJP to stage a demonstration near Shyambazar metro station in the city for five days from tomorrow to protest against the alleged rape case.

The state’s counsel submitted that the demonstration be allowed for only one day, claiming that a five-day sit-in would affect the convenience of the general public. The BJP’s lawyer prayed for permission to hold the demonstration for six days from tomorrow.

After hearing both parties, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj allowed the BJP to stage the sit-in at the proposed venue, which is around half a kilometre away from the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, for five days.

The court directed that the demonstration be held with not more than 300 participants from 12 noon to 9 p.m. every day from Wednesday to Sunday.

- PTI

Advocate Vishal Tiwari says the Supreme Court has taken a very serious regarding the safety measures and protection of medical professionals.

He further said the National Task Force appointed by the SC has senior doctors as members and a report has to be submitted by it within three weeks before the Supreme Court. “They have to suggest what safety measures can be taken,” he says.

Watch this video by PTI:

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention in the rape and murder case, saying it will serve the interests of the medical fraternity.

At Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, doctors raised slogans like ‘Supreme Court Zindabad’.

“We welcome the exhaustive session by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and trust their intervention in the larger interest of our fraternity. We will consult with all our stakeholders before making a decision,” FORDA said in a statement.

A FORDA member told PTI that the body would hold a meeting with all stakeholders before deciding on strike.

- PTI

The SC hearing ends. The matter will be heard next on August 22

SC directs the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to provide security at RG Kar Hospital. 

Mr. Sibal intervenes and says that the CISF would then be responsible for the security. ‘There cannot be two forces at the premises,’ he adds. 

Court records that the WB government has no objection to the deployment of CISF personnel. 

CJI Chandrachud peruses a complaint filed by a protesting doctor which said the police “ran away” from the site. Women doctors leading the protests were called by their names and threatened, the court is informed. 

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Sibal says that a “7000-strong mob” came. 

“The police came back with reinforcements. By this time, the vandalism occurred”, he adds. 

The court lists the case for further hearing on August 22. It also asks the West Bengal government to not “unleash its powers against peaceful protestors”. 

CJI Chandrachud urges doctors to resume work. He points out that large sections of society suffer when doctors abstain from work. 

Indian Medical Association seeks a berth in the NTF. 

CJI says the NTF would consider “all stakeholders”.

Delhi Medical Association seeks a distress call system for medical professionals with a direct link to police stations and institutional FIRs within two hours. 

The National Task Force (NTF) will consist of the following members – 

• Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin
• Dr D Nageshwar Reddy
• Dr M Shreenivas
• Dr Pratima Murty
• Dr Goverdhan Dutt Puri
• Dr Saumitra Rawat
• Prof Anita Saxena, Head of Cardiology, AIIMS Delhi
• Prof Pallavi Sapre, Dean Grant Medical College Mumbai
• Dr Padma Srivastava, Neurology department, AIIMS

The ex officio members in the task force will include – 

• Cabinet Secretary to Government of India
• Home Secretary to Government of India
• Secretary, Union Health Ministry
• Chairperson of National Medical Commission
• President of National Board of Examiners

CJI asks for a copy of the post-mortem report. 

Mr. Sibal apprises the court that the hospital principal is on leave and that West Bengal has also constituted an SIT to investigate the incident. 

Addressing the senior counsel, CJI Chandrachud says – “But Mr. Sibal there was a delay in the FIR... State must ensure that acts of vandalism will not be tolerated.”

“We have registered 50 FIRs”, Mr. Sibal says

Mr. Mehta at this point intervenes and says that “50 FIRs is a recipe for disaster”. He urges the court to ask the West Bengal government to give the CBI a copy of the status report on the vandalism incident. 

SC orders CBI to submit a status report of the investigation into the RG Kar rape and murder case on August 22. The Kolkata police has also been directed to file a report on its probe into the incident of mob vandalism that took place on the premises of the hospital. 

Outlining the areas of focus that the National Task Force will work on, CJI Chandrachud notes in the order – 

• Evolve measures to prevent violence against medical professionals
• Ensuring security within hospital premises
• Infrastructure developments for doctors/med professionals, including separate restrooms
• Technological interventions to limit access to critical areas in hospitals
• CCTV cameras, provision of night transport, counselling services, crisis workshops,
• Quarterly audits on safety norms,
• The possibility of ensuring police presence in hospitals according to footfalls.

The CJI also outlined that the task force will prepare an action plan to prevent gender-based violence and ensure dignified working conditions for interns, and resident and non-resident doctors.

CJI Chandrachud says that a national consensus must be evolved to have a unified protocol for the safety of doctors, and medical professionals. A National Task Force is to be appointed for this purpose. 

CJI notes that many States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu have enacted laws to protect doctors from violence. Listing out the existing concerns, he records in the order -

“Medical doctors with night duties are not provided adequate rest spaces. Basic needs of sanitation, hygiene, rest and nutrition are not provided to medical professionals. Lack of security in medical units is more of a normal than an exception. Patients and their attendees have unrestricted access to all parts of the hospital. No check for arms and ammunition. No proper transport for doctors and medical professionals.”

CJI dictates the order in open court. 

“Incidents of violence are a potent of the systemic failure to provide safeguards to doctors. Women medical professionals are especially vulnerable to sexual assaults. Gender violence in the medical profession is a matter of very serious concern. The safety of doctors who don the role of health providers is a matter of national concern. We cannot wait for another rape and murder to bring safety laws”, he records in the order. 

Mr. Mehta says that West Bengal has an in-charge DGP who is involved in the Sarda scam. 

To this, Mr. Sibal says that the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police does not come under the DGP. 

Referring to the ​mob violence that broke out on the premises of the RG Kar Hospital​, CJI Chandrachud says – 

“We are very very concerned. Let the power of the State of West Bengal not be unleashed on peaceful protestors”. 

“Parents were not in the hospital when the incident took place. The onus was on the hospital to register a case”, the CJI says. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta intervenes at this point and says – “The doctor was not only subject to sexual assault by a pervert, by an animal. We can understand the emotions of the parents who are made to wait for the body. 23 States, including Kerala, have specific laws punishing assault on doctors”. 

Mr. Sibal says both the Vice Principal and the father complained to the police. The father’s complaint was registered as an FIR at 11.45 pm. The body was handed over to the parents at 8.30 pm. 

He further apprises the court that the parents were initially in shock. 

“We conducted the post-mortem. It was videographed. Immediately unnatural death case was triggered”, Mr. Sibal asserts. 

The Chief Justice says that the safety of the doctors is the “court’s highest concern”. 

“We have taken suo motu cognisance because this is not confined to one State but across the country”, he underscores. 

CJI says that the court is setting up a national task force with doctors from diverse sectors. They will suggest modalities for safety measures for doctors across India. This is why doctors are on strike across the country.

“Doctors are on protest. Mob attacks the site of protest. Enters critical areas of the hospital. The crime scene was in the precincts of the hospital. What was the police doing? The police had to protect the crime scene”, the CJI asserts. 

The CJI further enquires why the principal was awarded with another posting right after his resignation. 

CJI asks CBI to submit the probe status report on Thursday. 

CJI Chandrachud says that the Principal of the hospital tries to pass it off as a suicide. 

Mr. Sibal intervenes and says it is not true.

“Until late night, no FIR was registered”, the CJI adds. 

In response, Mr. Sibal says that a case of unnatural death was registered. He apprises the Bench that an FIR was registered at 12:30 pm in the afternoon. 

Expressing his concerns over the disclosure of the identity of the victim, CJI Chandrachud says – 

“...the name, photographs, video clips after post mortem showing her body has been published all over the media. Free speech, we completely back. But there are limits as prescribed under the Nipun Saxena v. Union of India (2018) judgment. Is this the way we provide dignity for a young doctor who has lost her life horribly”. 

CJI says that there is a need for a national protocol for safe work conditions for doctors and medical personnel. 

“It is not every time there is a rape and murder, the conscience of the nation is awakened. We need protocols which are not just on paper, but actually implemented”, the Chief Justice underscores. 

CJI Chandrachud says that his concerns are not limited to only the RG Kar Hospital case since there are systemic issues involved regarding the safety of doctors across India.

“Virtual absence of safety for doctors. Especially for young women doctors. They have 36-hour shifts. No separate duty rooms for male and female doctors, personnel”, the CJI adds. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Union government, asks the court to express its concerns regarding the RG Kar Medical College and hospital case. 

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appears for the West Bengal government. 

The Bench has convened. The hearing of the suo motu case has begun. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continued its investigation today into the rape and murder case.

The CBI has received permission to conduct a polygraph test on the arrested accused, CBI sources said earlier.

On August 18, the CBI team examined and conducted 3D laser mapping in the emergency ward of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

- ANI

With protests raging over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, former principal Sandip Kumar Ghosh, the former principal of the institution continues to be in the eye of the storm. The West Bengal government has set up a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe financial irregularities at the medical since 2021 and Kolkata Police has registered a case against Dr. Ghosh under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Prevention of Corruption Act among other charges.

On Monday (August 19, 2024), Dr. Ghosh was quizzed for the fourth consecutive time at the city office of the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection to the rape and murder of a female postgraduate trainee on duty at the RGKMCH premises on August 9.

Read more here. 

Volley of accusations against R.G. Kar ex-principal in rape and murder

Kolkata doctor rape case: Former principal under investigation for financial irregularities, corruption, and professional misconduct.

West Bengal government constitutes a four-member Special Investigation Team to probe financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital since 2021.

The former principal of the medical college Sandip Ghosh booked by Kolkata Police under the Prevention of Corruption Act, among other charges.

- Shiv Sahay Singh

The Kolkata Police on Sunday (August 18, 2024) sent notice to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray for his post on X (previously Twitter) demanding custodial interrogation of Police Commissioner and previous principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in connection with its probe into the rape and murder of a woman doctor.

Mr. Ray had said that the dog squad was sent after three days which the police sources have claimed to be untrue. The Rajya Sabha MP has been asked to appear before Lalbazar Police Headquarters on Sunday (August 18, 2024).

Read more here. 

The Calcutta High Court on August 13, 2024 transferred the investigation in the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

A division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya said that prima facie there has been no significant progress has been made in the investigation in the case and the place of occurrence of crime assumes extraordinary importance. Following the High Court order, the CBI took over the case and team of officers accompanied by forensic and medical experts will arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday (August 14, 2024) and visit the scene of the crime.

“ On or after August 9, 2024, prima facie there has been no significant progress as till date, the State police have not arrested any other person, who may be allegedly involved in the commission of the offence. The place where the crime had been committed assumes extraordinary importance viz. it is in a Government hospital. The victim was a doctor working in the same hospital,” the division bench noted in its order.

Read more here. 

Kolkata doctor rape and murder: CBI takes over case after Calcutta High Court order

Kolkata doctor rape and murder: Calcutta High Court orders West Bengal government to produce case diary for investigation into doctor's rape and murder.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is hearing the matter. 

​​​The proceedings can be watched live here​​​. 

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The Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) around R G Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days with effect from August 18 to prevent unlawful assembly.

The prohibitory orders have been issued in certain areas such as J.K.Mitra Road, Shyambazar five point crossing, Belgachia Road and others in the jurisdiction Shyampukur, Ultadanga and Tala Police Stations.

Read more here. 

Kolkata doctor rape and murder: Kolkata Police issue prohibitory orders around RG Kar hospital

Kolkata Police imposes prohibitory orders around R G Kar Medical College to prevent unlawful assembly and maintain peace.

The Supreme Court on Sunday (August 18, 2024) took suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the case, instituted on the court’s own motion, on Tuesday (August 20, 2024).

The apex court’s suo motu intervention follows an August 13 order of the Calcutta High Court transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from the Kolkata Police. The police had arrested a civic volunteer in the case.

Read more here. 

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of the case, hearing on August 20

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case, transferred to CBI amid protests.

Patients lined up outside the Union Ministry of Health office at Nirman Bhawan yesterday as resident doctors offered consultations as part of their protest against the brutal rape and murder.

Read more:

Protesting medicos offer consultations near Nirman Bhawan

Resident doctors in Delhi protest for safety legislation, offer consultations to patients outside Ministry of Health office.

The Union Health Ministry yesterday issued a list of security measures to be implemented at all central government hospitals which include strict monitoring of the entry and exit and providing escort to women health professionals at night.

The move comes amid nationwide protests by resident doctors who have been demanding a special central law to check violence against healthcare workers following the alleged rape and murder.

In a communication sent to all heads of central government hospitals, the ministry asked them to ensure an adequate number of well-secured duty rooms with basic amenities for female health professionals and that deployment of women health professionals at night be preferably done in more than one in number.

They should be escorted in premises while on duty and proper arrangement of secured transport should be made for them for any movement at night. The letter comes amid protests by resident doctors who have been demanding a special central law to check violence against healthcare workers following the rape and murder incident.

- PTI

The BJP yesterday demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that crucial evidence in the rape and murder was destroyed at her behest in an alleged attempt to provide cover for the culprits in the case.

Read more:

BJP accuses Mamata of destroying evidence in R.G. Kar case, demands her resignation

BJP demands Mamata Banerjee's resignation over alleged destruction of evidence in doctor's rape and murder case.

The Delhi Medical Association moved the Supreme Court yesterday for the constitution of a committee headed by a former apex court judge to prepare a module or scheme for the protection of doctors and medical service personnel against violence in hospitals and public healthcare centres in the backdrop of the rape-murder.

Read more:

Kolkata rape and murder case: Delhi Medical Association seeks to intervene in Supreme Court

Delhi Medical Association seeks Supreme Court committee for protection of doctors against violence in hospitals nationwide.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose reached Delhi last night amid speculations that he may meet President Droupadi Murmu and senior leaders.

There have been massive protests in West Bengal and a strike by doctors across the country following the rape-murder and allegations of a botched probe and cover-up.

The governor on Thursday (August 15, 2024) visited the hospital and spoke to the agitating junior doctors, assuring them of justice.

Mr. Bose is likely to meet Murmu in Delhi today.

Union Minister L. Murugan strongly condemned the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and criticised the West Bengal government for “failure” to take action.

“It’s a strongly condemnable incident. The West Bengal chief minister should have taken severe action against the accused, but they failed. That’s where the CBI entered and CBI filed the case and CBI started the inquiry,” said the minister yesterday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has received permission to conduct a polygraph test on the arrested accused, CBI sources said earlier. On August 18, the CBI team examined and conducted 3D laser mapping in the emergency ward of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder case, with a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud scheduled to hear it today.

- ANI