78 years since Independence, 12 years since Nirbhaya - when will India achieve freedom from sexual violence?

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: All You Need to Know

Where it all began

• A female postgraduate trainee doctor's semi-nude body was found in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on August 9, 2024.
• The victim was a second-year student in the chest medicine department, on duty the night before.

Reactions and fallout

• PGT doctors at RG Kar Medical College stopped working in all departments except Emergency.
• Student associations and opposition leaders demanded a quick, independent probe.
• Ruling party called for a fair and transparent investigation.

Initial autopsy findings

• Indicated sexual assault and murder, ruling out suicide.
• Revealed injuries to private parts, eyes, mouth, and other body parts.
• Crime estimated to have occurred between 3 am and 6 am.

Arrest and investigation

• Sanjoy Roy, a 33-year-old civic volunteer, was arrested and charged with rape and murder.
• Roy had unrestricted access to the hospital due to connections with senior police officers.
• Evidence included a torn Bluetooth earphone and CCTV footage.
• Roy's phone contained pornographic content, and he had a history of abusing his wives.

CM Mamata Banerjee's response

• Vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused.
• Announced police camps set up at every hospital.
• Promised to hand over the case to CBI if police couldn't solve it by Sunday.

Nationwide protests and impact on patients

• Junior doctors across the country protested, affecting patient care.
• Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) called off strike after meeting with Union Health Minister.

Calcutta High Court's observations

• Reprimanded the Bengal government for reappointing the hospital principal.
• Criticized attempts to cover up the incident.
• Ordered the case to be handed over to CBI.

Political reactions

• Rahul Gandhi criticized the handling of the case, raising questions about the attempt to save the accused.