CBI takes over probe into Kolkata trainee doctor’s rape-murder case after HC order

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in West Bengal’s Kolkata.

“The CBI has taken over the Kolkata rape and murder case and is sending a specialised medical and forensic team from Delhi to Kolkata,” an official with the agency told ANI.

“The team is scheduled to depart early Wednesday morning,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the sexual assault and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on August 9.

The Court asked the Kolkata Police to hand over all documents to the CBI immediately.

Earlier in the day, doctors and medical students held a protest at AIIMS Delhi after the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) called for a nationwide shutdown of OPD services from Tuesday in solidarity against the sexual assault and murder of a woman doctor.

Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) under the directions of Union Health Minister JP Nadda issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions to develop a policy for a safe work environment.

According to the official public notice, “Incidents of violence against doctors in medical colleges have been reported in the recent past. All medical colleges are requested to develop a policy for a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for all the staff members including faculty, medical students and resident doctors.”

“The policy should ensure adequate safety measures at OPD, wards, casualty, hostels and other open areas in the campus and residential quarters. Corridors and campus be well-lit in the evening for staff to walk safely from one place to another and all sensitive areas be covered by CCTV for monitoring,” it said.

While West Bengal is seething with anger, given Mamata Banerjee’s apathy and Kolkata Police’s botched cover-up attempt, RG Kar Medical College authorities break down room walls, inside the Chest Medicine Dept, where the on-duty junior doctor was subjected to brutal rape and… pic.twitter.com/j2mJyziwNt

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 13, 2024

Earlier in the day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda met with a delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA had requested a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crime and measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace.

The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

The family has alleged that the victim was raped and murdered.