The trial in the horrific rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is progressing at a rapid pace and is expected to conclude within a month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The case, overseen by the Special CBI Court in Sealdah, has seen 43 of the 81 prosecution witnesses testify so far.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar expressed satisfaction with the day-to-day trial proceedings, which are conducted from Monday to Thursday. “The pace of the trial reflects a serious commitment to ensuring timely justice,” the court noted in its observations.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, presented a status report on the trial’s progress. He also informed the bench about a related investigation into financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College, which has resulted in a chargesheet. However, prosecution sanctions for the accused public servants are still pending approval from the state government.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim’s parents, urged the CBI to file a supplementary chargesheet that would include individuals allegedly involved in a cover-up of the crime. “The family’s demand for accountability remains firm, and the investigation must encompass all those responsible,” Grover stated.
The Supreme Court also reviewed the ongoing efforts of the National Task Force (NTF), established to propose safety measures for medical professionals in the wake of this incident. The task force submitted an interim report, with a final report expected in 12 weeks. States and Union Territories have been directed to respond to the task force’s recommendations.
The case revolves around the brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9. Her body was discovered in a seminar room at the hospital. The post-mortem confirmed rape and murder, triggering widespread outrage. The investigation, initially conducted by Kolkata Police, was handed over to the CBI after the Calcutta High Court highlighted concerns over the local police’s handling of the case.
In its October chargesheet, the CBI identified Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, as the prime accused. The Supreme Court had taken cognizance of the matter on August 19, emphasizing the need for an impartial investigation.
The next hearing is scheduled for the week starting March 17, 2025. However, the court has permitted parties to approach it for an earlier date should delays arise in concluding the trial. Additionally, the court requested input from stakeholders on preventing gender-based violence and enhancing the safety of healthcare professionals.
In a related matter, the Supreme Court addressed protests by doctors at AIIMS, asking the institute to reconsider its decision to treat the protest period as abstention from duty. This ruling has significant implications for the protesting doctors’ eligibility for postgraduate examinations.
The case has reignited debates on workplace safety for medical professionals and the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent gender-based violence. The Supreme Court’s directives reflect a multi-pronged approach to tackling the issue, encompassing both justice for the victim and broader reforms in healthcare safety protocols.