Investigation launched following rape and murder of doctor in India

India’s top investigative agency has sent a team of experts from New Delhi to probe the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal, last week. The move follows nationwide protests demanding justice for the victim.

The semi-naked body of a female trainee doctor was found in a hall at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The 31-year-old had been on duty that night, and was due to finish her shift at 4am.

Sanjay Roy, 35, was arrested the following day. The civic volunteer, who was working at the hospital’s police outpost, has been identified as the main suspect in the investigation. He has confessed to sexually assaulting and murdering the young doctor, according to local media.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Hospital authorities have also established a three-member panel to investigate the death of the 31-year-old.

The rape and murder triggered a strike at the hospital, with doctors refusing to work except in emergency cases. On Monday, thousands of doctors marched in Kolkata to denounce the killing and demand justice for the victim, as well as better security for staff.

Protests then erupted in other major cities, including New Delhi, leading to disruptions at hospitals. A number of doctor and student associations have demanded a quick investigation into the woman’s death.

Some of these have threatened to continue their strikes until legislation to curb attacks on medical personnel is enacted. A bill called the Central Protection Act for Doctors was introduced in parliament in 2022. However, the government chose not to pursue it, claiming that most of its objectives had been achieved in the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance Act, which was passed in 2020.

Similarly, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has sought measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace. On Tuesday, a delegation from the body met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss its concerns. The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) called off the strike after a meeting with Nadda, saying their demands had been met.

However, many other doctors’ groups have decided to continue the strike.