West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the Kolkata Police until Sunday, August 18, to solve the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. If the case remains unsolved, Banerjee has vowed to transfer it to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests, was described by Banerjee as “extremely painful” and “shocking.” She revealed that the victim’s parents suspect involvement of an insider, in addition to the main accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer. In response, Banerjee has ordered the removal of the hospital’s principal, Head of Department, and Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal (MSVP) while the investigation continues.
On August 9, the victim was discovered in a seminar hall with injury marks, and an autopsy confirmed she had been raped and murdered. Sanjoy Roy was arrested on August 10 and is currently in police custody. Although he was not officially associated with the hospital, Roy was known to frequent the premises.
Banerjee has called for the case to be fast-tracked, stressing that those responsible must be punished swiftly. Thousands of doctors across India, including members of the Resident Doctors’ Association at AIIMS, Delhi, have protested, demanding a CBI inquiry, strict action against the perpetrators, and compensation for the victim’s family.
The Calcutta High Court is set to hear four petitions seeking a CBI probe into the case on August 13.
