The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to submit its progress report today on the investigation into the horrific rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This comes after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the case, which has sparked widespread protests and anger across the country.
On Tuesday, August 20, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, heard the case. During the hearing, the bench strongly criticized the Bengal government for its handling of the case, including the failure to prevent vandalism at the state-run hospital. The Bengal government is also expected to file a status report today regarding the investigation into the vandalism.
The Calcutta High Court had previously transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 13, citing “serious lapses” by the RG Kar hospital administration.
Supreme Court’s Rebuke of Bengal Government
During Tuesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court condemned the Bengal government’s handling of the case, particularly the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR), which occurred hours after the victim’s cremation. The court also expressed dismay at the fact that the victim’s parents were made to wait for three hours before they were allowed to see their daughter’s body.
Chief Justice Chandrachud further criticized the circulation of the victim’s name and photographs in the media, highlighting the importance of privacy and security for women doctors. The court stressed that the safety of women in the medical profession is a matter of national concern.
Additionally, the court questioned the Bengal government’s decision to appoint Dr. Sandip Ghosh as the principal of another state-run medical college shortly after his resignation as the head of RG Kar Medical College.
National Task Force for Healthcare Professional Safety
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court has established a ten-member National Task Force (NTF) to recommend measures for ensuring safe working conditions for healthcare professionals. This task force is expected to address the urgent need for security protocols in medical institutions.
Doctors’ Bodies Seek Interim Protection
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has approached the Supreme Court, requesting interim protection for doctors until the NTF’s recommendations are implemented. The petition emphasizes the need for immediate measures, such as CCTV surveillance in sensitive areas of medical colleges and hospitals.
The National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS has also filed an intervention application, highlighting the safety concerns of resident doctors across the country. The application echoes the call for interim security measures for doctors.
This case continues to draw national attention as both the CBI and Bengal government are expected to present their reports to the Supreme Court today.