A year has passed since the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The tragic incident that rocked the conscience of India last August quickly spiralled into a nationwide outrage in the following weeks, sparking fiery protests and demonstrations across the country.
It also made the citizens raise urgent and critical questions about women’s safety, especially within spaces which are otherwise presumed secure, such as hospitals or educational institutions, and the protection of healthcare workers.
The victim, a young doctor on her night shift, was allegedly found dead in the seminar room of the Chest Medicine Department on the intervening night of August 8-9, last year.
Soon after, Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer and reportedly, a frequent visitor to the hospital campus, was arrested by Kolkata Police and later convicted of rape and murder.
However, despite his conviction and life sentence, the victim’s family is still unconvinced of the investigation’s results, alleging a broader conspiracy and cover-up.
They recently met with Home Minister Amit Shah and CBI Director Praveen Sood in Delhi, urging them to ensure justice is fully served.
On the first anniversary, medical students and members of the public organised torchlight vigils and peaceful marches in Kolkata to honor the victim’s memory and demand continued accountability and safer environments for women in workplaces across India.
Here is a detailed timeline of key events since August 9, 2024, that rocked an entire nation:
August 9, 2024
The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor found dead in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College during her night shift.
August 10, 2024
Kolkata Police quickly arrest Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer and the prime accused.
August 11, 2024
Amid rising protests by junior doctors, the Mamata Banerjee government transfers the hospital superintendent. This further sparks suspicion among protesters.
August 12, 2024
Dr. Sandip Ghosh, ertswhile principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, resigns, following public pressure and protests.
August 13, 2024
Not satisfied with the local police's role, thes victim’s family files a plea in the Calcutta High Court, demanding a CBI probe. The court orders the transfer of the case to the central investigating agency.
August 14, 2024
The National Human Rights Commission steps in. It mentions signs of struggle on the victim’s body. Sanjay Roy is formally handed over to the CBI.
August 15, 2024
Statewide protests intensify and turn violent. In the wee hours, mobs vandalise the state-run hospital’s emergency ward. This causes damages to critical areas of the crime scene. The National Commission for Women condemns authorities for failing to secure the location.
August 17, 2024
The Indian Medical Association calls a nationwide 24-hour strike by healthcare professionals in solidarity with the victim and to demand safer working conditions.
August 18, 2024
The Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of the case, under the then-CJI DY Chandrachud.
August 20, 2024
A Supreme Court three-judge bench pulls up the West Bengal government, Kolkata Police, and hospital administration for delaying the FIR. It also constitutes a 10-member national task force to improve healthcare worker safety.
August 21, 2024
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) assumes responsibility for security at RG Kar Medical College on the orders of the apex court.
August 28, 2024
State opposition in Bengal, BJP, organises a ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ (Secretariat March) demanding law and order reforms and women’s safety; the protest turns violent.
September 2, 2024
The CBI officially arrests Sanjay Roy.
September 2024
Ex-principal Sandip Ghosh and three others are arrested by the CBI over financial irregularities and evidence tampering.
Tala police station officer Abhijit Mondal is detained for delaying the FIR.
Junior doctors launch sit-in protests outside the state health department, refusing elective work.
Several high-ranking officials, including Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, are removed or transferred following CM Mamata Banerjee’s meetings with protesting doctors.
September 16, 2024
Junior doctors agree to a closed-door meeting with the Chief Minister and resume work.
October 5, 2024
Doctors begin a hunger strike demanding justice and safety reforms.
October 7, 2024
The CBI files a chargesheet against Sanjay Roy in the Sealdah court.
October 21, 2024
The hunger strike ends after another meeting with CM Banerjee at Nabanna.
November 11, 2024
The trial begins in an in-camera session to protect privacy and security.
December 13, 2024
Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal are granted bail after the CBI fails to file a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day limit.
January 9, 2025
The trial concludes at the Sealdah court.
January 18, 2025
Sanjay Roy is found guilty of rape, murder, and causing death under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
January 20, 2025
Roy is sentenced to life imprisonment for the rest of his natural life. The court orders compensation of Rs 17 lakh to the victim’s family, which they reject, citing inadequate investigation.
January 22, 2025
The CBI appeals in the Calcutta High Court for the death penalty, asserting the case qualifies as a “rarest of rare” instance.
February 24, 2025
The CBI submits a status report before a city court and reiterates the push for harsher punishment.
March 28, 2025
The CBI informs the High Court that it does not consider the incident a gang rape.
July 2025
Sanjay Roy appeals his conviction, claiming innocence in the Calcutta High Court.
August 9, 2025
On the first anniversary of the crime, the victim’s family will lead a protest march, the ‘Nabanna Abhijan,’ to demand justice from the Mamata Banerjee government.
The grieving parents have been steadfast in their pursuit of justice. The victim’s father arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, urging swift justice for his daughter.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with both the CBI and Kolkata Police’s investigation, he accused the state Health Secretary of involvement in the crime and demanded his immediate arrest.
“We have come to Delhi with hope. It has been a year, and we have been fighting tirelessly for justice. We will pressurize the CBI and try to meet the CBI Director tomorrow. If we can meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he can push the CBI to act more effectively,” he said. “Both the CBI and Kolkata Police have presented a misleading narrative to the public. Our fight is to ensure a safe environment for women in society. In the last year, the CBI has failed to uncover any new facts.”
During an interaction with News18, the victim's parents expressed their frustration at the state government's apathy toward delivering justice.
“Our daughter was supposed to be under the State’s protection. The investigation was overseen personally by the Chief Minister and senior health officials. Yet from the very beginning, they sought to cover up the truth. Mamata Banerjee must be held accountable", her father has been cited.
When asked if they believe justice has been served, both parents were unequivocal in their rejection. “There has been no real investigation,” her father said. “While the CBI arrested Sandip Ghosh and a police officer for tampering with evidence, they never filed the necessary supplementary chargesheet. Why? We firmly believe that more than one person was involved. There is a larger network that has been protected.”
Her mother voiced her pain and frustration, “Was Abhaya left without a guardian? From the start, the State tried to suppress the facts. But we will not give up. Our fight continues.”
Regarding the CBI’s focus on accused Sanjay Roy, her mother added, “We met CBI officials in Delhi. They told us they plan to close the case. We told them to make that statement in court, not to us. What kind of agency abandons the cause of justice? This is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, on Friday night, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF) held a protest rally demanding justice for the deceased doctor.
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