New Delhi: The Supreme Court began hearings today on the case concerning the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is overseeing the proceedings.
The West Bengal Health Department submitted a report to the Supreme Court, indicating that 23 people have died due to the ongoing doctors’ strike in the state.
On Sunday night, thousands gathered in Kolkata and around the world to demand justice for the victim. These protests were part of a broader movement called “Reclaim the Night,” which advocates for women’s safety and justice in public spaces.
In a prior hearing on August 20, the Supreme Court labeled the incident as “horrific” and took steps to address safety concerns within the healthcare sector. The court directed the formation of a 10-member National Task Force to establish protocols aimed at ensuring the safety of doctors and healthcare workers nationwide.
Supreme Court Seeks Clarifications on ‘Unnatural Death’ in Kolkata Case
On Sunday night, thousands rallied in Kolkata and around the world, demanding justice for the victim.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court began hearing the case today concerning the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra are leading the proceedings.
The West Bengal Health Department reported to the Supreme Court that 23 people have died due to the ongoing doctors’ strike in the state.
Sunday’s global protests, part of the “Reclaim the Night” movement, called for safety and justice for women in public spaces. Demonstrators gathered in cities worldwide, from Kolkata to major locations in Europe, Asia, and the United States, including Stockholm, Sydney, and New York. Protesters, many dressed in black, held vigils, sang in Bengali, and chanted slogans in solidarity with the victim.
Earlier, on August 20, the Supreme Court described the incident as “horrific” and implemented measures to address safety concerns within the healthcare sector. The court established a 10-member National Task Force to create protocols for safeguarding doctors and healthcare workers nationwide.
The court also urged striking doctors to return to work, emphasizing that “justice and medicine cannot be halted.”
The case initially faced delays, with the Supreme Court criticizing the Kolkata Police’s slow investigation. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which began its probe on August 14.
The victim’s body was found on August 9 in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College with severe injuries. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day, and the investigation has since expanded, including the arrest of the college’s former principal.
In Kolkata, protesters formed human chains and held burning torches to express their grief and demand justice. “Whenever I think about the torment my daughter endured, I shudder. She had dreams of serving society. Now, all these protesters are my children,” said the victim’s mother at a Kolkata rally, according to news agency PTI.
A 14-kilometre-long human chain was formed, stretching from Shyambazar in North Kolkata to the suburb of Sodepur. Thousands of participants, including rival football fans from East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting, joined together, united in their demand for justice.
Centre vs State
Amid the protests, a political conflict has arisen between the Centre and the West Bengal government. The Centre has accused the state of “unpardonable” non-cooperation in supporting the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was assigned to secure RG Kar Medical College. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, in its Supreme Court application, described the lack of cooperation from the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government as indicative of a “systemic malaise.”
The Centre has requested that the Supreme Court instruct the West Bengal government to fully cooperate with the CISF. If the state fails to comply, the Centre has asked for contempt proceedings against the officials responsible for the non-compliance.
