Kolkata horrific rape-murder: SC castigates WB govt for delay in filing FIR, expresses disgust over revealing identity of victim

The bench hearing the case highlighted the need for a national protocol to ensure safe working conditions, particularly for young doctors who often work grueling hours, sometimes up to 36 hours at a stretch.

The Supreme Court asked state counsel to supply the CBI with all information provided during a hearing of a case related to the RG Kar incident. The Court’s observations and directives come amid nationwide protests with doctors and civil societies demanding justice and increased safety for medical professionals.

A protest organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Aug 20 turned violent in Kolkata when a scuffle broke out between them and the police. The clash broke out near the Swasthya Bhavan located in Kolkata's Salt Lake, according to media reports.

RDA ends strike after SC hearing

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of RML Hospital has ended its strike, saying the decision follows the government's acceptance of all critical demands presented by residents across India. But the doctors' strike against the incident continues elsewhere across India.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Aug 20 expressed relief on behalf of the nation following the Supreme Court's directives on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. Bose while referring to the prevailing situation said that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future .

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta while referring to the gruesome rape and murder of a trainee doctor said the perpetrator was not only sexually perverted but had displayed an animal-like instinct in the gruesome crime.

FORDA welcomes SC intervention

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) welcomed the supreme court's intervention in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.

“We welcome the exhaustive session by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and trust their intervention in the larger interest of our fraternity. We will consult with all our stakeholders before making a decision,” FORDA said in a statement.

The Supreme Court had reassured doctors that they would protect their interests and also urged them to end their strike. The court noted the lack of proper facilities for doctors during the case hearing.

The CBI observed that doctors lack resting places, no basic hygiene is maintained for them, and also lack security in medical healthcare units.

Doctors are left to handle unruly patients; only one common toilet is there for medical professionals in the hospital, and professionals must not travel long distances for washroom accessibility, according to CBI.

Notably, health services across the country have been hit as doctors' strikes enter their 10th day on August 20. The Union Health Ministry recently approved a 25% enhancement in security deployment at central hospitals, in response to doctors' demands to ensure safety.

The CBI is currently investigating the case as per a Calcutta high court order. The CBI has been permitted to conduct a polygraph test on the accused Sanjoy Roy.