RG Kar Rape Case: Court Verdict to Be Announced Today, Here's What Has Happened So Far

Kolkata (The Uttam Hindu): The verdict in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case involving a trainee female doctor will be delivered today by the local court in Kolkata. On August 9, the shocking incident took place in the hospital's seminar hall, where the victim was brutally raped and murdered. Sanjay Roy, a hospital employee has been identified as the main accused in the case.

The incident sparked nationwide protests among doctors and medical students. Following the gruesome discovery of the trainee doctor's semi-nude body on August 9, Kolkata Police detained Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital as the prime suspect on August 10. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly demanded quick action, instructing the police to resolve the case within seven days, failing which the matter would be handed over to the CBI. Amid mounting pressure the principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh resigned from his post.

The incident also drew the attention of the Calcutta High Court which termed the case as horrific. The court emphasized the need for protecting doctors, stating that if medical professionals are unsafe how can they safeguard others? Subsequently, the court transferred the investigation to the CBI.

Timeline of the Case

>August 9, 2024: The trainee female doctor was raped and murdered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College.

>August 10, 2024: Kolkata Police detained Sanjay Roy as a suspect, leading to widespread protests across the state.

>West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee issued a public ultimatum to resolve the case within a week.

>The Calcutta High Court took suo moto cognizance of the matter and transferred the investigation to the CBI. The court condemned the incident and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of doctors.

>A 25-member CBI team was formed, leading to multiple arrests. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee announced a protest rally, and protests by medical students and doctors intensified across the state.

>August 14, 2024: Protesters vandalized RG Kar Medical College late at night, prompting the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to call for a nationwide shutdown, exempting emergency services, on August 17.

>The CBI interrogated former principal Sandeep Ghosh for several hours and conducted a polygraph test with court approval.

>The Supreme Court, led by then-Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, took suo moto cognizance of the matter. It formed a 10-member task force to ensure the safety of doctors and directed the state government and Kolkata Police to submit a status report.

>The CBI conducted lie detector tests on the main accused, Sanjay Roy, and six others.

>September 2, 2024: The CBI raided the residence of Sandeep Ghosh and arrested him on charges of financial irregularities.

>The CBI also arrested Kolkata Police officer Abhijit Mandal for delays in filing the FIR and evidence tampering.

>October 7, 2024: The CBI filed a charge sheet against Sanjay Roy.

>October 11, 2024: The trial began in Sealdah Court.

Due to delays in filing the charge sheet, the main accused, Sanjay Roy, and others, including Abhijit Mandal, were granted bail. After hearing all arguments, the Sealdah Court is expected to announce its verdict today.