In the wake of intense nationwide protests demanding justice for a postgraduate trainee doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. A Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is set to hear the case on August 20.
To address the public outcry, the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department has reversed its decision to transfer 42 doctors, aiming to stabilize medical services amid the ongoing crisis.
Simultaneously, Kolkata police have enacted prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS around R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. These orders, effective from August 18, 2024, will remain in place for seven days to prevent any unlawful gatherings and maintain order near the hospital.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also intensifying its investigation into the case. Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sandip Ghosh, is being questioned for a third consecutive day. According to The Hindu, the CBI is reportedly examining Dr Ghosh’s phone records and chat histories, focusing on communications made before and after the incident.
MT
