Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Reaches Supreme Court, CJI-Led Bench To Preside Over Hearing on Tuesday

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which occurred on August 9.

The incident has ignited widespread outrage across the nation, leading to protests and strikes by medical professionals.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to the cause list of August 20 uploaded on the apex court website, a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear on Tuesday a matter titled "In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and related issue".

This intervention by the Supreme Court follows immense public pressure and accusations of mishandling by state authorities.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is already investigating the case, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of medical professionals in India, particularly women, who often face vulnerabilities in their workplaces.

The victim was discovered brutally assaulted and murdered in the hospital's seminar hall. A civic volunteer stationed at the hospital has been detained in connection with the crime.

However, the victim's family and protestors allege that the crime was a gang rape and are demanding a thorough investigation to ensure all culprits are held accountable.

An autopsy has confirmed that the victim was sexually assaulted before her death.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest body of doctors in the country, has been at the forefront of demanding justice for the deceased doctor.

The IMA called for a nationwide strike on Saturday, suspending all non-essential medical services for 24 hours to highlight their demands.

The Calcutta High Court recently transferred the probe from the Kolkata Police to the CBI.

(With PTI inputs)