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Synopsis

A letter petition has been filed addressing the Chief Justice of India in light of the horrifying incident which occurred on August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.

CJI DY Chandrachud has been asked to take suo moto cognizance of this case and issue directions for an immediate and impartial investigation into the attacks on doctors protesting against the incident at the R.G. Kar Medical College.

"The recent incidents reveal a critical gap in ensuring the safety of women, particularly in sectors with a high representation of female employees, such as the medical field. Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in healthcare as doctors, nurses, receptionists, and other roles. They often work long hours and face unique challenges that require special attention to ensure their safety..", the court has been told.

The petition filed by Dr. Monica Singh also seeks directions to the state government to provide adequate compensation to the affected institution and individuals.

"Order the deployment of Central Forces to protect R.G. Kar Medical College and its staff until the pendency of the case. This measure is crucial given the failure of local law enforcement to prevent the attack and subsequent vandalism of the crime scene..", the petition adds.

Furthermore, it has been sought that guidelines may be issued for enhancing security measures at medical colleges and hospitals across the country to prevent such incidents in the future.

Filed through Advocate Satayam Singh, the plea states that the attack on R.G. Kar Medical College is not merely an isolated incident of violence, but a direct assault on the healthcare system of our nation. It undermines the safety and security of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Swift and decisive action from the Supreme Court is essential to restore faith in the rule of law and to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of our medical institutions, the petition submits.

It is to be noted that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun investigating the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, following the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the case to CBI due to the lack of progress in the state police's investigation and suspicion of evidence tampering.

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.

High Court's division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya strongly criticized the hospital administration, particularly the Principal, for failing to promptly lodge a complaint, which it deemed a dereliction of duty.

Court also questioned the Principal's resignation claiming "moral responsibility" and subsequent appointment to another medical college within hours.

Today, Calcutta High Court has asked the Kolkata Police to place on record the entire sequence of events that led to "the unfortunate event" of vandalism of the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital campus which occurred on the night of 14th August.

Court asked the CBI to proceed as deemed appropriate. It directed the in charge of the hospital to file two separate affidavits narrating the true state of affairs and all matters incidental and connected there by the next hearing date.

According to media reports, Kolkata Police have arrested 19 people in connection with the vandalism. A city court has remanded the individuals in custody until August 22.

A large mob stormed the medical college campus, vandalizing the emergency ward, nursing station, medicine store, and sections of the outpatient department.