CBI Takes Over Probe Into Kolkata Doctor's Tragic Death Amid Nationwide Protests

The CBI has arrived in Kolkata to investigate the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor, following a Calcutta High Court order. Nationwide protests have been sparked, urging safer work environments for medical professionals.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team has arrived in Kolkata to take over the investigation into the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in West Bengal, as ordered by the Calcutta High Court. The CBI team is accompanied by a specialized medical and forensic team from Delhi.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to investigate the sexual assault and murder of the woman post-graduate trainee doctor, which occurred on August 9. The court instructed the Kolkata Police to hand over all related documents to the CBI immediately.

Protests erupted at AIIMS Delhi, with doctors and medical students participating, following a call from the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) for a nationwide shutdown of OPD services starting Tuesday. This action is in solidarity against the sexual assault and murder of the woman doctor. Concurrently, the National Medical Commission (NMC), under the guidance of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, issued an advisory for all medical institutions to create a safe working environment.

According to an official notice, incidents of violence against doctors at medical colleges have been reported recently. Medical colleges are urged to develop comprehensive safety policies for staff, including faculty, medical students, and resident doctors. The policy should ensure adequate safety in OPD, wards, casualty areas, hostels, and other campus locations. It recommends well-lit corridors and campuses during evenings and the use of CCTV in sensitive areas for monitoring.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda also met with an Indian Medical Association (IMA) delegation on Tuesday. The IMA called for a thorough inquiry into the crime and urged measures to enhance the workplace safety of doctors, especially women. The postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Her family has alleged she was raped and murdered.

(With inputs from agencies.)