The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, indicated that the trial concerning the harrowing rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata is expected to conclude within the next month. The statement came after the apex court reviewed the latest status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, overseeing the proceedings, noted that the trial has been held daily from Monday to Thursday at the Special CBI Court in Sealdah. Out of the 81 witnesses listed, statements from 43 have been recorded so far.
The case initially handled by Kolkata Police shifted to CBI following the discovery of the victim’s body in the hospital’s seminar room on August 9. A civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy was arrested the subsequent day, implicated in the gruesome incident.
Prompted by the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance, establishing a National Task Force (NTF) on August 20. The task force’s objective is to draft protocols enhancing the safety and security of medical professionals nationwide. In its latest directive, the bench ordered the NTF to integrate suggestions from various stakeholders into a report due for submission in 12 weeks.
Despite the distressing nature of the case, the NTF’s November report advised against a separate central law for offences against health care professionals, citing sufficient provisions in state laws and the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Among the distinguished members of the NTF are Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, and Dr. M Srinivas, who bring a wealth of medical and administrative expertise to the table.
In a related development, the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, highlighted a parallel investigation into financial discrepancies at RG Kar Hospital, which has also seen a chargesheet filed, though prosecution awaits sanction due to the involved public servants.
As the trial progresses under intense scrutiny, Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim’s family, pressed for a supplementary chargesheet to include individuals potentially involved in obfuscating the case.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 17, 2025, but allows for earlier sessions should delays arise. The court also expressed concerns over the employment of civic volunteers, prompting it to question the West Bengal government about the recruitment processes and the roles these volunteers play within public institutions.
