On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation into the rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The incident occurred on August 9, and the court has directed the local police to hand over all related documents to the CBI by 10 AM on Wednesday.
This decision follows a series of protests, including a demonstration by doctors and medical students at AIIMS Delhi. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) had earlier called for a nationwide shutdown of OPD services starting Tuesday, expressing solidarity with the victim and demanding justice.
In a related development, the Calcutta High Court questioned the appointment of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, who had resigned after the incident, citing moral responsibility. Dr. Ghosh was controversially appointed as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital shortly after his resignation, which led to protests. The court has now directed him to submit a leave application by 3 PM on Tuesday or face an order to vacate the position.
The victim, a PGT doctor, was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The investigation revealed that she had been raped and murdered, with her body showing signs of a struggle. The victim’s family has alleged foul play, demanding justice.
In response to the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to the health minister, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that allowed the crime to occur and urging measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace.
