A two-minute silence was observed on Sunday, 9 August 2025 across all government hospitals and medical institutions in West Bengal, marking the second anniversary of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case that shook the country. The tribute, held at 11 am IST, was the first state-organised memorial for the victim — a departure from the previous government's silence on the anniversary.

How the Tribute Unfolded

Before the silence was observed, a lamp was lit at participating institutions as a mark of respect. Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff across the state joined the initiative simultaneously at the designated hour. The programme was held in response to a government directive issued after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met state Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee on Saturday.

A special memorial event was also organised at Lok Sanskriti Bhavan in Panihati, North 24 Parganas district — the assembly constituency from which the victim's mother was elected as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA. The programme, held under the banner of a trust formed in the victim's name, was attended by family members and Chief Minister Adhikari.

What Changed in Two Years

The political landscape in West Bengal has shifted significantly since 9 August 2024, when the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the emergency department of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata triggered nationwide protests. Movements, night vigils, hunger strikes, and mass processions followed, with citizens from across society demanding justice.

Notably, those who led the protest movement from the opposition are now in power. The victim's mother, who became a public face of the justice campaign, was subsequently elected as a BJP MLA from the Panihati Assembly constituency.

This is the first time a state government has formally organised a tribute — the previous All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government did not hold any such programme on the first anniversary.

Voices at RG Kar Hospital

At RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, former TMC Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen — who was vocal in the RG Kar movement from its outset — was present at the memorial. After the silence, he thanked the Chief Minister for taking steps to uncover the truth in the case. He also demanded that those who allegedly destroyed evidence in the rape-murder be brought under investigation.

The medical community has continued to call for a speedier probe and stronger hospital security protocols to prevent similar incidents.

State of the Investigation

So far, only one person has been arrested in the case: Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer attached to the Kolkata Police, who was detained by state police shortly after the incident. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) subsequently took over the probe on orders from the Calcutta High Court but did not make any additional arrests. A charge sheet was filed against Roy, and the trial at Sealdah court concluded swiftly — the judge convicted Roy and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Following the change of government in West Bengal, the investigation has reportedly been reopened. Demands persist from both the medical fraternity and civil society for a broader inquiry into evidence tampering and the role of other individuals.

What Comes Next

With the investigation revived under the new administration, attention will focus on whether fresh arrests or findings emerge. The trust formed in the victim's name is expected to continue advocacy for justice and hospital safety reforms. The state government's decision to institutionalise an annual tribute signals a political as well as moral commitment — one that will be scrutinised against concrete investigative outcomes in the months ahead.