A Year Ago, the Grisly RG Kar Case Rattled India: Examining the Aftermath of the Doctor's Hidden Crime of Rape and Murder
======================================================================
The tragic events that unfolded on August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old post graduate trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, marked the beginning of a year-long saga of justice, protests, and political tension.
The sole accused, Sanjay Roy, a Kolkata Police civic volunteer, was arrested on August 10, 2024. The following days saw a chain of events that would shake the nation:
- August 12, 2024: The RG Kar Medical College principal resigned, and the state government transferred the hospital superintendent.
- August 13, 2024: The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- August 15, 2024: Protests erupted at midnight, with mobs vandalizing the hospital emergency ward.
- August 17, 2024: Doctors nationwide, led by the Indian Medical Association, withdrew medical services for 24 hours in solidarity with the victim.
- August 18, 2024: The Supreme Court took cognizance of the case.
- August 20, 2024: A Supreme Court three-judge bench criticized the Mamata Banerjee government, Kolkata Police, and hospital administration over delayed FIR filing and created a 10-member task force for healthcare professional safety.
- August 21, 2024: The Central Industrial Security Force took over hospital security amid safety concerns.
- September 2, 2024: CBI formally arrested Sanjay Roy.
The judicial proceeding and aftermath include the conviction and life sentence of Sanjay Roy by January 2025; however, the victim's family disputes that he acted alone, alleging ignored forensic evidence and the presence of multiple assailants. Despite the CBI director’s assertion that only Roy was involved, the family remains unconvinced and accuses the agency of neglecting other suspects.
Protests and government responses extended into 2025, including a torch rally and a large demonstration called "Nabanna Abhijan" on the first anniversary (August 8-9, 2025). Police deployed water cannons and baton-charged protesters, including supporters and BJP MLAs, as the victim's family and supporters demanded justice and accountability from the state government. The government increased security at RG Kar Hospital, including CISF presence, in response to safety concerns.
Notable events during this period include:
- September 14, 2024: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits the protest site to urge medics to end their strike.
- October 24, 2024: Doctors call off their strike after meeting with Chief Minister Banerjee.
- October 5, 2024: Doctors begin a hunger strike.
- October 7, 2024: The CBI files a chargesheet against Sanjay Roy.
- January 16, 2025: The trial ends.
- January 20, 2025: Sanjay Roy is awarded life imprisonment.
- January 22, 2025: The CBI appeals in the Calcutta High Court for a death penalty for Sanjay Roy.
On August 20, 2025, the one-year anniversary of the crime, the victim's family is expected to lead a march to the state secretariat in Kolkata, demanding justice and accountability. The saga of the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case continues, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures for healthcare professionals and a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident.
- The tragedy delved into various aspects of society, including medical conditions, health and wellness, as well as mental health, highlighting the vulnerable state of women’s health in the country.
- The political tension arising from the incident stretched into war and conflict zones, as politiciansused the case to further their policy and legislation agendas, especially on crime and justice.
- Amidst the general news coverage of the case, sexual health and its connection to societal norms came under scrutiny, with many calling for stricter laws and education to prevent such incidents.
- Migration patterns also showed a significant change, with many health professionals considering leaving the country due to the lack of safety measures in place for them.
- In response to the incident, there were numerous calls for improved healthcare policies, stressing the importance of focusing on health and wellness in women’s lives.
- The tragedy also raised questions about the state’s capacity to handle such cases, with concerns about the police, court systems, and hospital administration coming to the forefront of general news discussions.
