RG Kar protests| Supreme Court dismisses WB govt's challenge to bail of student leader Sayan Lahiri

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Synopsis

Lahiri is said to have organised a march to the state secretariat to protest against a trainee woman doctor's rape and murder in Kolkata, which turned violent

The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a petition filed by the West Bengal government challenging the bail granted to Paschim Banga Chhtra Samaj leader Sayan Lahiri.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra today, while dismissing the petition filed by Mamata Banerjee government said "prima facie" a case for bail was made out.

Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, an unregistered student group, was one of the two organisations that gave the call for the August 27 'Nabanna Abhijan'.

A protest was organised against the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

 Lahiri was arrested on August 27 for playing an active role in leading the Nabanna Abhijan which allegedly turned violent.

The Calcutta High Court held that Lahiri appeared to be an absolutely insignificant character who does not hold any position of power or influence "in the massive cry for justice in the aftermath of the RG Kar incident".

Notably, Lahiri's mother had approached the High Court seeking quashing of proceedings against him and grant of bail.

The Supreme Court is also seized of its suo moto case relating to the incident from August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra is hearing the matter presently.

The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the hospital last Friday. The CBI has registered an FIR, building on the initial police report, which includes charges of rape and murder.

Case Title: STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs. ANJALI LAHIRI