Kolkata rape-murder: CJI-led bench to hear case on Aug 20, prohibitory orders near RG Kar Hospital – Top Developments

 Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, banning gatherings of more than five people.

Doctors and medical students during a candlelight protest demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, at Freedom Park, in Bengaluru, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Arpita Ghosh, SNS, August 18, 2024  : The brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has triggered widespread outrage and protests across India. Her body was found in the seminar hall of the state-run facility in West Bengal’s capital Kolkata on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime. Subsequently, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI.

Here are the developments of August 18 in Kolkata RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case:

-Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, banning gatherings of more than five people. This measure, effective until August 24, aims to control the situation around the hospital, which has been a focal point of protests following the recent crime.

-The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud will hear the case on August 20.

-Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, appeared before the CBI for the third consecutive day. He was questioned about phone calls made before and after the incident. CBI officials are investigating whether there was any conspiracy or pre-planning related to the crime. Ghosh’s involvement and the details of his communications are being scrutinized to uncover any possible links to the incident.

-For the tenth day, healthcare services in West Bengal have been disrupted by junior doctors striking for justice. The strike has affected outpatient departments, though emergency services remain operational with senior doctors. The protestors asserted their demand for justice and increased security, expressing understanding of the impact on patients but maintaining that their cause is crucial.

-Medical students in Kolkata staged a procession demanding justice for the victim of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident. Despite heavy rain, they marched from College Street to Shyambazar, calling for swift CBI action and expressing solidarity with the ongoing protests.

-The strike by resident doctors in Delhi entered its seventh day, with both private and government hospitals participating. The Action Committee for the Central Protection Act announced the continuation of the strike, citing insufficient safety measures for healthcare professionals.

People protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital amid rains, in Kolkata, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

-The Indian Medical Association (IMA) ended its 24-hour strike, which began on Saturday. The brief protest aimed to express solidarity and call attention to the safety of medical professionals amid the ongoing investigation into the Kolkata incident.

-Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have summoned TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, former BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, and two prominent doctors for allegedly spreading rumours and disclosing the victim’s identity.

-Supporters of arch-rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan football clubs came together in a rare display of unity to protest the rape-murder incident. Gathering near the Salt Lake stadium, fans from both clubs, along with supporters of Mohammedan SC, demanded justice and highlighted the widespread anger over the crime. A Durand Cup match between the two most-followed football clubs of the country was cancelled with police citing concerns over the law and order situation.

-Kolkata’s film industry held a rally to protest the rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital. Prominent figures, including directors Kaushik Ganguly and Srijit Mukherjee, and actors Paoli Dam and Parambrata Chatterjee, marched from Technicians’ Studio to Shyambazar Metro Station, demanding justice.

Actors Srabanti Chatterjee, Subhashree Ganguly and others during a protest rally against the recent alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (PTI Photo)

-Over 70 Padma awardee doctors have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a special law addressing violence against healthcare workers. The doctors called for immediate action and stricter penalties for offenders, emphasising the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect medical personnel.

-Amid the ongoing protests, family members of a deceased patient vandalised the trauma care unit at SSKM Hospital, accusing doctors of negligence. No arrests have been made in the case

-Former cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has written to West Bengal’s Governor and Chief Minister, urging decisive action in the rape-murder case. Singh’s letter called for immediate and rigorous measures to ensure justice and enhance safety for women and healthcare professionals.