Kolkata doctor rape and murder: From tragedy, protests, to legal measures - A timeline

Junior doctors take part in a protest rally against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata, on Aug 28, 2024. (PTI Photo)

The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has shocked the nation. On August 9, 2024, the semi-nude body of the postgraduate trainee was found in a seminar hall at the college, sparking immediate outrage from the hospital doctors.

Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer identified via CCTV footage, was arrested in connection with the crime, prompting widespread doctor strikes demanding justice and enhanced security. The investigation by the Kolkata police faced significant criticism, leading Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to call for a CBI inquiry. Consequently, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the central agency. The Indian Medical Association's strikes advocating for justice and better safety measures severely disrupted hospital operations. Then the Supreme Court intervened, mandating the implementation of national safety protocols and ordering the removal of the victim’s identity from social media.

Polygraph and psychological tests on Roy have cast doubt on his claims of innocence. As the investigation progresses, there is mounting pressure on authorities to uncover the truth and ensure justice.

August 9: At 3 am, Sanjay Roy visits the third floor of the Chest Medicine building at the hospital, enters the seminar hall where a lady doctor was resting, and allegedly rapes and murders her. He leaves the hall after about 40-45 minutes.

CCTV footage shows Sanjay Roy leaving the hospital premises around 4:37 am. He returns to his barrack and goes to sleep.

Later in the morning, Kolkata Police detain Sanjay Roy after reviewing CCTV footage. He is brought back to the hospital for questioning.

In the evening, following interrogation, Sanjay Roy is arrested on charges of rape and murder.

August 10: Doctors at RG Kar Medical College go on strike, demanding action and increased security. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) issues a 48-hour ultimatum for the completion of the probe.

August 11: The West Bengal government transfers the Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital over alleged lapses in security.

August 12: Principal Sandip Ghosh steps down after protests but is reinstated as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC).

August 13: Mamata Banerjee announces she will welcome a CBI probe if the West Bengal police fail to solve the case within seven days. The Calcutta High Court transfers the probe to the CBI and orders the former RG Kar principal to take extended leave. Protests by medical professionals escalate.

August 14: A 25-member CBI team begins investigation and central agencies take custody of the accused.

August 15: Women 'reclaim the night' as thousands march for justice amid rain in Kolkata. Unidentified men vandalize RG Kar Medical College, leading to a nationwide strike of doctors announced by IMA for August 17.

August 16: At least 19 people are arrested on vandalism charges. Parents of the deceased doctor allege a cover-up and express dissatisfaction with the inquiry.

August 17: IMA seeks Prime Minister's intervention and calls for a nationwide strike. The National Commission for Women (NCW) raises concerns about evidence tampering and security lapses. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare forms a committee to recommend safety measures.

August 18: The parents of the deceased raise serious allegations of murder and a cover-up. Nationwide protests continue, with calls for capital punishment.

August 20: The Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance, forms a task force to establish a national safety protocol, and orders the removal of the victim's identity from social media.

August 21: Kolkata police suspend three officers for vandalism. The Union government assigns CISF to handle RG Kar Hospital security. Sandip Ghosh is removed from CNMC Principal post.

August 22: Supreme Court reprimands Kolkata Police for delays in the case. The court questions the timing of the post-mortem and registration of the case as unnatural death.

August 23: Sanjay Roy is sent to 14-day judicial custody. CCTV footage reveals him near the victim a day before the crime.

August 24: Sanjay Roy is presented before a special court for a polygraph test. Six others, including former principal Dr Ghosh and four doctors, also undergo lie detection tests.

August 26: Sanjay Roy's polygraph test shows "false and unconvincing answers". He claims he was framed.

August 27: ‘March to Nabanna’ rally takes place, demanding resignation of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Police use teargas and lathi-charge to disperse BJP leaders and supporters protesting at Kolkata Police headquarters, demanding the release of students arrested during the Nabanna Abhijan rally.

Meanwhile, Enforcement Directorate (ED) files case against alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, based on CBI's initial probe and FIR. ED FIR names former Principal Dr Sandip Ghosh and several private entities (M/s Ma Tara Traders, M/s Eshan Cafe, M/s Khama Louha) under IPC sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI seeks permission for a polygraph test on city police assistant sub-inspector Anup Dutta, who was allegedly close to Sanjay Roy.

August 28: BJP calls for a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal to protest against alleged police excess. 64 people are arrested during the bandh.

President Droupadi Murmu expresses deep shock and horror at the rape and murder of the doctor, highlights that this incident is part of a broader series of crimes against women.