A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team has reached Kolkata to commence its investigation into the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a state-run medical college, following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
The CBI, accompanied by a specialized medical and forensic team from Delhi, took charge of the case on Tuesday, as directed by the court. The Calcutta High Court had instructed the Kolkata Police to promptly hand over all relevant documents and evidence to the CBI.
The investigation follows a widespread outcry after the tragic death of the post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor on August 9. In response to the incident, doctors and medical students staged protests, with the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) calling for a nationwide shutdown of outpatient department (OPD) services from Tuesday, in solidarity with the victim.
Additionally, the National Medical Commission (NMC), under the guidance of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions, urging them to establish policies that ensure a safe working environment for all staff, including faculty, medical students, and resident doctors.
The advisory emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures across campus, including well-lit corridors, CCTV coverage of sensitive areas, and improved security in OPDs, wards, hostels, and residential quarters.
Union Health Minister, JP Nadda also met with representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday. The IMA had called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the crime and advocated for stronger safety measures for doctors, especially women, in their workplaces.
The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, with her family alleging that she was raped and murdered.
