CBI Gets Nod for Polygraph Test in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Amid Nationwide Protests

The CBI will conduct a polygraph test on the accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case of a trainee doctor. Nationwide protests and court interventions have followed the incident, with widespread calls for justice.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has received permission to conduct a polygraph test on the arrested accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case, according to CBI sources. On August 18, the CBI team that is investigating the case of a trainee doctor's rape and murder examined the scene and conducted 3D laser mapping in the emergency ward of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The rape and murder of the trainee doctor have ignited widespread outrage and protests in various cities, with calls for justice and punishment for the accused. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, with a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud set to hear it on August 20.

Earlier in the day, advocates from the Calcutta High Court held a protest march demanding justice for the victim and punishment for the accused. In Delhi, doctors from Maulana Azad Medical College and resident doctors from the Northern Railway Central Hospital protested outside Nirman Bhawan. Similar demonstrations occurred in Chandigarh, where PGIMER doctors also protested. Mumbai saw protests at Azad Maidan organized by doctors and locals. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, doctors and medical students from King George's Medical University tied 'black Rakhi' to demand justice in the Kolkata rape-murder case.

In Kolkata, female police personnel tied Rakhi to doctors and medical students demanding justice in the case. On August 18, football fans protested near Salt Lake Stadium, leading to the cancellation of the Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. In Kolkata, junior doctors and students continued their protests at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. On August 14, the protest site and hospital campus were vandalized by a mob, leading to police intervention.

To maintain law and order, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC), around the Medical College and Hospital for seven days, effective from Sunday (August 18) to Saturday (August 24).

(With inputs from agencies.)