Timeline of Kolkata rape & murder case: From gruesome incident to massive protests

Kolkata's R G Kar Hospital has been in the news after the tragic death of a postgraduate trainee doctor at its premises on August 9.

The alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has sparked a wave of protests and legal actions across the country.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case after it was handed over by the Kolkata Police while the Supreme Court has also taken a suo motu cognizance in the matter. However, with various allegations and findings, the case has turned into a complicated web of conspiracy involving the police and top-level hospital staff.

Here is a timeline of the events so far

August 9: A 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of Kolkata’s RG KAR Medical College and Hospital. The victim was raped and murdered, as per the autopsy report.

August 10: Kolkata police arrested accused Sanjay Roy after his “prolonged examination and confession of guilt”. Protests by doctors break out across West Bengal.

August 11: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government transferred the Superintendent of RG Kar Medical College over alleged lapses.

August 12: Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, stepped down. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) announces a nationwide halt to elective services.

August 13: Terming the case “extremely gruesome” the Calcutta High Court took cognisance of the matter and ordered the former RG Kar Principal to take an extended leave. The CBI took over the investigation from the Kolkota Police and arrested the accused.

August 14: A 25-member CBI team was formed, and the probe was initiated. The Bengal CM announced a protest rally.

August 15: A large group of unidentified miscreants stormed into R G Kar Medical College Hospital and vandalised the emergency department and nursing station. IMA announced a nationwide withdrawal of services on August 17 for 24 hours.

August 16: At least 19 people were arrested for vandalism at RG Kar Hospital.

August 17: The IMA sought the Prime Minister’s intervention. On the other hand, the National Commission for Women (NCW) alleged there were lapses in security and evidence was tampered with. The Health Ministry requested the protesting doctors to resume their duties and promised to form a committee to recommend measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.

August 18: The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident and posted the matter for hearing on August 20.

August 19: The CBI questioned Sandip Ghosh for the fourth consecutive day. A local court granted CBI permission to conduct a polygraph test on the accused.

August 20: A SC bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud constituted a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and asked the state government and Kolkata Police to submit a status report.

August 21: Kolkata police suspended three officers over vandalism at RG Kar Hospital. The Centre asked the CISF to take over security at RG Kar Hospital.

August 22: The top court pulled up Kolkata Police for the delay in taking action. It asked the Assistant Superintendent of Police to be present in the next hearing and urged the protesting doctors to return to work. The doctors called off the strike and returned to work. The CBI also sought a polygraph test on Sandip Ghosh and four other junior doctors.

August 23: Resident doctors, including those of Centre-run AIIMS, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Delhi government-run LNJP, Maulana Azad Medical College, GTB Hospital and Indira Gandhi Hospital, resumed duties.

August 24: Lie-detection tests on the main accused and six others conducted.

August 25: The CBI launched search operations on the premises of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Sandip Ghosh, ex-MSVP Sanjay Vashisth and 13 others.

August 26: The Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj announced the “Nabanna Abhijan” march on August 27 seeking the Bengal CM’s resignation.

August 27: The protest march to Nabanna saw ugly clashes between the police and protesters.

August 28: The BJP called for a Bengal bandh. In her first reaction, President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep shock and horror at the incident.

August 29: Polygraph tests conducted on two private security guards from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

August 30: The CM wrote again to PM Modi seeking stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

September 1: Film director Aparna Sen and several actors from the Bengali film industry joined thousands of protesters in a massive rally.

September 3: The CBI arrested Sandip Ghosh on charges of financial misconduct and his possible involvement in the case. The Aparajita Bill was passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

September 4: Protesters hit the streets of West Bengal with various demonstrations, including another “Reclaim the Night” protest.

September 5: The victim’s mother wrote a letter thanking teachers for helping her daughter achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.

September 6: SC dismisses former Ghosh’s plea against Calcutta HC order transferring RG Kar College corruption case to CBI.

September 7: ED detains close aide of Sandip Ghosh.

September 8: People from all walks of life - former students of several educational institutions, clay modellers, rickshaw pullers and junior doctors – separately hit the streets in Kolkata.

September 9: The top directed the CBI to submit a fresh report by September 17. The SC also asked protesting doctors to resume work by September 10.

September 10: Protesting junior doctors turn down the state government’s invite for talks.

September 11: The Bengal government rejected junior doctors' demands for the CM’s presence and a live broadcast as preconditions for talks.