” Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Supreme Court Hearing (Part 1)”

Supreme Court Questions West Bengal Government Over Timeline of RG Kar Rape-Murder Case, Summons Kolkata Police Officer

The Supreme Court has directed a Kolkata Police officer, who first registered the entry regarding the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College, to appear at the next hearing to clarify the timeline of the incident.In a session marked by sharp questions, the Court also grilled the West Bengal government about the unusual sequence of events regarding the case registration. The bench pointed out that the postmortem of the victim began at 18:10 hours and ended at 19:10 hours, yet the unnatural death (UD) case was only registered at 23:30 hours, followed by the FIR at 23:40 hours.“If it’s not a case of unnatural death, then why was it taken for postmortem?” the bench asked, expressing surprise at the postmortem preceding the UD registration. The Court’s observation that “if this is the fact then there is something dangerous” indicates growing concerns over the procedural anomalies in handling the case. The Supreme Court’s focus on these discrepancies raises questions about potential mishandling of evidence and underscores the importance of clarity in the investigation’s timeline.

Supreme Court Hearing on Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Developments and Statements

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing the plea regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. With significant allegations and concerns raised from multiple sides, the hearing highlighted critical issues inthe investigation and the larger concerns about the safety of medical professionals in public hospitals.

Timing of the Autopsy Questioned

The Supreme Court raised questions regarding the timing of the autopsy conducted on the deceased doctor. When the bench asked for the medical injury report of the victim, the West Bengal Government responded that it is included in the case diary, which was handed over tothe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

CBI Alleges Crime Scene Altered

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, made a crucial claim, alleging that the crime scene had been “altered” by the time the CBI took over the investigation on the fifth day. This raised serious doubts about the integrity of the evidence collected. However, the West Bengal government firmly denied this claim, stating that “everything was videographed ” and asserting that it has documented the timeline of all relevant events.

Counsel Raises Issue of Overworked Doctors

The counsel representing protesting doctors made a startling point, highlighting the vulnerability of overworked doctors in public hospitals. He argued that these doctors, often working long hours, are physically drained and unable to resist advances or harassment.This statement underscored the ongoing crisis of safety and workload management in public health care settings.CJI DY Chandrachud acknowledged this harsh reality, sharing his own experience. Here Counted, “We have gone to public hospitals, I have slept on the floor of a public hospital.We know that doctors work over 36 hours.” His remarks added a personal touch to the broader issue of overworked healthcare professionals and the pressures they face.

National Task Force to Hear Resident Doctors

Chief Justice Chandrachud further assured resident doctors that their concerns would betaken seriously by the National Task Force, constituted by the Supreme Court to recommend safety measures for healthcare professionals. Interventions by the Federation of Association Of Medical Associations of India (FAIMA) and the Delhi Medical Association urged the inclusion of resident doctors in this task force, and the CJI affirmed that their voices would beheard.

Assurances of No Adverse Action Against Doctors

In response to concerns raised by the protesting resident doctors, who feared adverse actions such as being marked absent for duty, CJI Chandrachud provided a strong assurance. He stated that the court would ensure no punitive measures are taken against doctors who have been protesting, provided they resume their duties.The hearing, which began at 10:30 am, showcased the Supreme Court’s proactive approaching addressing the pressing issues related to the Kolkata doctor’s tragic death, while also considering the broader implications for medical professionals across India.As the case progresses, the court’s orders will likely have a profound impact on the ongoing protests and the development of safety regulations for doctors and medical staff across thecountry.

Abhishek Banerjee Calls for Comprehensive Anti-Rape Law Amid Rising National Outrage Over RG Kar Medical College

Incident as protests intensify over the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has urged for a comprehensive anti-rape law, stating that anything less would be mere symbolism. In a powerful statement posted on X, Banerjee Pointed out that while the nation protested for justice, 900 rapes had occurred across India during the same period.Banerjee highlighted the urgency, citing disturbing statistics: 90 rapes reported daily, 4every hour, and 1 every 15 minutes. He called for the implementation of laws that ensure trials and convictions within 50 days , emphasizing the need for swift justice and severe punishment. He urged state governments to pressure the Union for a decisive anti-rape law,warning that any delay would be both symbolic and ineffective in addressing the crisis.

Leadership Shake-Up at RG Kar Medical College

In the wake of escalating protests, the newly appointed principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr. Suhrita Paul, was removed from her position on Wednesday evening. Dr. Paul, who had been appointed as the college’s dean on August 12, faced backlash from students and the medical fraternity after a delegation of students met officials at Swasthya Bhavan,demanding accountability for the crime.Along with Dr. Paul, the hospital superintendent and the head of the Chest Department were also dismissed from their positions. The upheaval followed the controversial transfer of former Dean Sandip Ghosh to Calcutta’s National Medical College, a decision that had already sparked outrage amid the ongoing investigation.

Protests Against Administration

Protesting junior doctors voiced their frustration, with one stating, “Our newly-appointed principal Dr. Suhrita Pal has gone missing… she has not turned up at the campus since the night the hospital was vandalised.” The doctors, outraged by the administration’s handling of the situation, organised a march to Swasthya Bhavan to confront Dr. Paul.

Government Actions and Public Response

Amid the protests, the West Bengal government announced a bonus increase for civic and Village police volunteers, raising it from ₹5,300 to ₹6,000 for the current financial year. This Move, however, was met with skepticism, as the protests were partly fueled by the involvement of a police civic volunteer in the rape and murder case.In a surprising move, over 2,500 Durga Puja committees across West Bengal declined the yearly honorarium provided by the government, which had been increased from ₹70,000 to₹85,000 this year. The committees cited the horrific crime as their reason for refusing the funds, with many opting out of the Durga Puja celebrations as a form of protest.The situation remains tense as the Supreme Court and the CBI continue to investigate the case, while public demands for justice grow louder across the country.

Reported by Ankitaa Bal

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