Lady doctor's murder in Kolkata; CBI takes over case, setback for West Bengal govt, police

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case in which a second-year PG trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the RG Kar Government Medical College in Kolkata just a few hours after the Calcutta High Court issued an order handing over the case to the central agency. The CBI team and forensic experts from Delhi will reach Kolkata today.

Meanwhile, resident doctors and various organisations are continuing their nationwide protests.

The court stated that the state government's decision of not accepting the resignation of principal Dr Sandeep Ghosh and transferring him to the post of the principal of the Calcutta National Medical College was tantamount to giving an award. The court also asked the principal to go on leave until further orders.

The bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmayi Bhattacharya issued the order on a petition filed by the woman doctor's parents, citing the lapses in the investigation. The High Court stated that it is handing over the investigation to the CBI to ensure justice for the parents of the doctor and to instil confidence in the public.

The lady doctor was found raped and murdered in the hospital's seminar hall on August 9. Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old civic volunteer who was assigned to help the police at the outpost, was arrested on Saturday. He had access to the hospital anytime anywhere.

Medical Commission issues safety instructions

The National Medical Commission has issued an urgent directive to all medical colleges and affiliated institutions in the country to ensure safe working conditions.

1. Security policy should be implemented in medical colleges and campuses. CCTVs should be installed in important areas. Lighting should be ensured in the quarters, corridors and campus. Adequate security personnel should be appointed.

2. College authorities should conduct a proper investigation in case of violence against medical students. Police should be informed and an FIR should be registered. A report should be forwarded to the National Medical Commission within 48 hours clarifying the actions taken.