The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (August 13) ordered the transfer of the investigation into the alleged rape and death of a woman doctor to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, instructed the Kolkata Police to hand over the case diary to the central investigative agency by Tuesday evening, with all other relevant documents to be transferred by 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The tragic incident involves the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor, who was reportedly raped and murdered inside a seminar hall at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The body was discovered on Friday morning, sparking outrage and concern among the medical community. Subsequently, a civic volunteer was arrested on Saturday in connection with the case.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the high court also appealed to the protesting doctors in West Bengal to call off their ceasework, emphasizing their “pious obligation” to continue providing medical services. The protest, led by junior doctors and interns, continued on Tuesday, as they demanded enhanced security measures for hospital staff and adequate protection following the horrific incident.
The case has garnered significant attention, with medical professionals and the public alike calling for justice and a thorough investigation to ensure the safety and security of healthcare workers in the state.