CBI to Probe Trainee Doctor's Death; Protests and Political Turmoil Erupt in West Bengal

The CBI will investigate the death and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata, following a Calcutta High Court order. Protests by doctors and political friction follow, with opposition leaders calling for the Chief Minister's resignation, citing lawlessness and inadequate safety measures.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to dispatch medical and forensic experts from Delhi to Kolkata, following the Calcutta High Court’s directive for a CBI probe into the sexual assault and death of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Kolkata Police have been ordered to hand over all pertinent documents to the CBI promptly.

Reacting to the court's decision, a protesting doctor expressed, 'We are very happy and relieved that the case has been transferred to CBI. The accused will be arrested soon now.' In the wake of this decision, opposition parties have criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led state government, demanding her resignation and that of other officials.

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the court-monitored CBI investigation, urging the Chief Minister and the Health Minister to resign. He accused the Chief Minister's personal physician, Dr. SP Das, of exerting undue influence over the health department. Union Health Minister JP Nadda also condemned the Trinamool Congress government, stating that the incident reflects a broader issue of increasing atrocities against women in West Bengal.

Nadda supported the High Court’s decision, describing the incident as a national disgrace. He criticized the state's handling of the case, stating, 'The way the incident was handled and the government's attempts to hide it are inexcusable. Bengal has become a state where there is no law and order; lawlessness is rampant.' Nadda had earlier met with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which had called for a thorough inquiry and measures to ensure the safety of doctors.

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee echoed these sentiments, alleging the crime involved multiple individuals and lamenting the role of local police. She emphasized the necessity of a CBI probe to uncover the truth and prevent evidence tampering. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also condemned the government’s response, criticizing its perceived indecisiveness and inability to maintain law and order.

In response, protesting doctors declared they would continue their demonstrations until their demands for comprehensive security measures, including CCTV installations and compensation for the victim’s family, are met. Dr. Lahari Sarkar, representing the protesters, maintained that while they support the CBI investigation, their protests would persist until justice is fully rendered.

Emergency services at RG Kar Medical College will continue, although Outpatients Department (OPD) services remain suspended. The protests have expanded nationwide, with demonstrations in Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has requested the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, to submit a leave application following his controversial transfer to Calcutta National Medical College. Ghosh's resignation, citing defamation on social media, has sparked further outrage.

The female trainee doctor was discovered dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9, with her family alleging rape and murder.