Calcutta High Court to Review Petitions for CBI Probe into Kolkata RG Kar PGT Doctor's Rape and Murder

The Calcutta High Court is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions concerning the rape and murder of a female PGT doctor of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. At least three petitions have been filed requesting a CBI probe into the heinous crime. The case will be heard by a division bench headed by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, with Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya also serving on the panel.

Phiroze Edulji, a lawyer representing the petitioners, has criticized the local police investigation, claiming it is inadequate and alleging a possible cover-up. He also condemned the release of the victim's name to the public and has asked the court to mandate its removal from all social media sites.

The victim, a PGT doctor was found in a semi-naked state in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital’s seminar hall on Friday morning. Reports indicate the assault occurred between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. The autopsy revealed severe sexual assault followed by strangulation and smothering, with significant injuries including bleeding from multiple areas of her body. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer who frequently visited the college, was arrested on Saturday. Roy faces charges under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police investigation found blood stains on Roy’s shoes, and it was noted that he attempted to destroy evidence by washing his clothes after the crime.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday stated that she will transfer the case to the CBI if the Kolkata police fail to solve it by Sunday. “Police, Dog Squad, Forensic department and other teams are on the job. Investigation has been started to arrest the accused and police are trying to arrest him as early as possible. If the Police are unable to solve this case by Sunday, then we will not keep this case in our hands we will hand it over to CBI,” said the West Bengal Chief Minister after meeting with the family of the victim.

In response to the incident, doctors nationwide have gone on strike. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for an indefinite work stoppage and demanded an impartial investigation and enhanced safety measures for doctors. The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) has also demanded the resignation of those who failed to protect the victim and has called for stringent security protocols. The IMA has urged the central government to enact a national law to prevent violence against doctors and to establish hospitals as safe zones. They argue that existing state laws are insufficient and ineffective.

The ongoing protests have significantly disrupted medical services. Hospitals in Kolkata are experiencing reduced operations, and patients have faced difficulties accessing care. In other cities, such as Lucknow and Mumbai, doctors have joined the protests, affecting services at major hospitals. At AIIMS Delhi, daily surgeries have decreased by 80% and admissions by 35% due to the strike. The hospital administration has urged doctors to resume work, citing a High Court order that prohibits protests on hospital premises.​