Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: 10 Latest Developments Unfolding Amid Nationwide Outrage

Calcutta:In a series of escalating events in the brutal rape and murder case of a 31-year-old doctor pursuing postgraduate studies at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, significant progress has been made. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been actively involved, with experts conducting psychoanalysis tests on the accused, Sanjay RoyAs the nation reels from the tragedy, major developments include ongoing investigations, protests by medical professionals and increased demands for security reforms. Below is a summary of the latest key points in this heartbreaking case.

Here are the 10 latest developments

1. CBI re-interviews former director

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has once again questioned Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College Hospital, in connection with the case. Ghosh, who had already been questioned till late on Friday night, faced another round of questions about his initial reaction to the news of the doctor’s death and the steps he took to inform her family and contact the police.

2. Investigations at the crime scene and in the barracks

Separate CBI teams have conducted extensive investigations at two key locations – the crime scene at the RG Kar Medical College and the Calcutta Police Force headquarters in Salt Lake, where the prime accused Sanjay Roy was residing. The CBI collected forensic samples and questioned police personnel about Roy’s movements on the morning of the crime.

3. Forensic analysis initiated

Forensic experts from Delhi’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) have been called in to conduct a psychoanalysis test on Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the case. Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested soon after the doctor’s body was discovered.

4. IMA demands greater security

In response to the shocking murder, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining a number of demands to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. Among these demands is a call for “airport-like security” in hospitals and incorporation of the 2020 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act in a new bill focused on the protection of healthcare workers.

5. The opposition denounces cover-up

The CPI(M) has alleged that the vandalism at the RG Kar Medical College was an attempt to “cover up the truth” surrounding the doctor’s murder. CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury condemned the violence against the protesting doctors, calling it a shameful attempt to silence demands for justice.

6. Nationwide protests by medical professionals

Medical professionals across India continue to protest against the brutal killing. Major private hospitals in Delhi joined the protests by closing their emergency rooms, elective surgeries and primary care services on Saturday, demanding justice and greater security for healthcare workers.

7. New security programme of West Bengal government

In response to the incident, the Mamata Banerjee government has introduced a new safety programme for women working at night in the state. The programme includes designated toilets for women, deployment of women volunteers known as “Rattirer Shaathi” and identification of safe zones equipped with CCTV surveillance.

8. The Ministry of Health calls on doctors

The Union Health Ministry has urged the protesting doctors to resume work and has promised to set up a panel that will recommend measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals in light of the recent developments.

9. Nirbhaya’s mother demands CM’s resignation

Asha Devi, the mother of Nirbhaya, a victim of gang rape in Delhi in 2012, has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Asha Devi criticised Banerjee for not taking prompt action in the case and for allegedly trying to divert public attention from the issue.

10. Kolkata police arrest 30 people in connection with acts of vandalism

Kolkata police, which is investigating the large-scale vandalism at the RG Kar Medical College, have so far arrested 30 people. The arrests come as police continue to investigate the violence that broke out in the early hours of August 15.