Today’s Updates on the Case and Strike
- The CBI questioned the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh, for the third consecutive day on Sunday. Ghosh arrived at the CBI office in Salt Lake’s CGO Complex at 11 AM and was interrogated for nearly 10 hours. On Saturday, August 17, he was questioned for over 13 hours. The CBI is examining his call details and chats.
- Kolkata Police issued a notice to former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, summoning her for questioning at 3 PM. The police stated that Locket is accused of revealing the identity of the trainee doctor.
- Kolkata Police also summoned TMC MP Sukhendu Shekhar at 4 PM for questioning, accusing him of spreading rumors and fake news about the case.
- The CBI team conducted 3D laser mapping in the emergency ward of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
- Kolkata Police issued notices to Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Suborno Goswami from R.G. Kar Hospital, accusing them of spreading rumors about the case.
- Former principal Sandeep Ghosh has been questioned by the CBI for a total of 36 hours so far.
- Kolkata Police arrested two more individuals in connection with the vandalism and violence on August 14. A total of 32 people have been arrested so far, and police are interrogating the suspects.
On Sunday, August 18, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the trainee doctor’s rape-murder case in Kolkata. The case is scheduled for hearing at 10:30 AM on August 20 before a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, alongside Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
What is Suo Moto
When the Supreme Court or High Court decides to hear an incident on its own without any petition, it is called suo moto (self-cognizance). The court does this when it gets information from the media or any other way that human rights have been violated. In this way, the court gets this special right, by which it can take legal action in any case at its discretion.
Today, the CBI conducted a 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. Meanwhile, nationwide protests by doctors have entered their 9th day in response to the incident. The CBI, which is investigating the case, stated that the psychological test of the accused, Sanjay, has been conducted.
A five-member team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), consisting of psychologists and behavioral analysts, is conducting the test. This examination aims to understand the mindset of the accused Sanjay regarding the heinous crime.
Central Government’s Order: States to Report Law and Order Status Every Two Hours
On the night of August 17, the Central Government issued a new order requiring all states to update the Ministry of Home Affairs Control Room every two hours on the law and order situation via fax, email, or WhatsApp.
Section 163 Imposed Near Medical College
Kolkata Police have imposed Section 163 of the Indian Penal Code (previously Section 144 of the CRPC) around R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital starting August 18.
The order states that for the next seven days (until August 24), no protests or gatherings of more than five people, carrying weapons, or engaging in any activities that may cause tension, will be allowed.
Protesting Students in Kolkata Chanted Slogans Demanding the Death Penalty for the Accused and Criticized the Mamata Banerjee Government
Nirbhaya’s Mother: Nothing Has Changed Since 2012
On Saturday, Nirbhaya’s mother commented that nothing has changed since 2012. She accused Mamata Banerjee of misusing her position, diverting attention from the issue instead of taking action against the culprits.
She called for Mamata’s resignation, stating that until the Central and State Governments take swift action against such heinous crimes, incidents like these will continue to occur in the country.
Bengal Government Might Announce These Necessary Measures for the Safety of Female Employees
- A ‘Ratrir Sathi’ project could be launched for female employees working night shifts in hospitals, ensuring they are accompanied by a colleague and not working alone.
- Female doctors and nurses may not be allowed to work for more than 12 hours, with their night shifts being reduced.
- An emergency helpline (100/112) will be established for women’s safety, and security checks in medical colleges and hospitals will be mandatory.
Impact of Doctors’ Strike
- The doctors’ strike has affected services in hospitals across the country. In major private hospitals in Delhi, OPD, emergency services, and other surgeries and IPD services have been disrupted, causing distress to hundreds of patients.
- In Delhi, over a lakh patients have been turned away daily due to the lack of treatment in hospitals. Around 250 to 300 surgeries are also not being conducted daily.
- In the past six days, over six lakh patients have been unable to receive treatment, and more than 2,500 surgeries have been canceled.
Center Assures the Formation of a Committee for Doctors’ Issues
The Ministry of Health issued a statement on August 17, assuring that a committee would be formed to address the doctors’ demands. State governments will also be asked for suggestions regarding security measures. Following the Center’s decision, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a statement, saying, “IMA will respond after carefully considering all aspects and consulting all its state branches. We are studying the statement issued by the Health Ministry.”
IMA Chief: We Haven’t Asked for Anything the Government Can’t Provide
On Saturday, IMA Chief Dr. Ashokan said that except for emergency services, work in hospitals has been halted. Our demand is to ensure the safety of doctors. We haven’t asked for anything that the government cannot provide. We are asking for the right to life, which is a fundamental right. We will write a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to intervene in the matter. PM spoke about women’s safety in his Independence Day speech.