What Happened in the One Year Since the RG Kar Rape and Murder?
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Synopsis
On the anniversary of the tragic RG Kar rape and murder, protests resurge in Kolkata, demanding a thorough investigation and justice. Explore the timeline of events, achievements, and failures from the past year, as the fight for safety and accountability continues.
Key Takeaways
- Widespread protests followed the tragic incident, highlighting societal outrage.
- The conviction of Sanjay Roy brought some justice, yet questions remain about broader conspiracies.
- The incident has sparked discussions on women's safety in workplaces.
- Systemic changes are needed to ensure accountability and protection for women.
- The fight for justice continues, as families seek thorough investigations.
Kolkata, Aug 9 (NationPress) Last year, West Bengal experienced significant unrest due to the horrific rape and murder of a female junior doctor at the state-operated R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, which occurred on the hospital grounds. Doctors and citizens alike took to the streets to demand justice and urge the state government to ensure safety for women in their workplaces.
On the anniversary of this heartbreaking event, another wave of protests and demonstrations is being organized to call for a thorough investigation and justice for the victim.
On that fateful morning of August 9 last year, the victim's body was found in a seminar hall within the hospital. The lone perpetrator, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court. Yet, a year later, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not finalized its inquiry into the suspected broader conspiracy surrounding the crime.
A glance at the timeline reveals a mixture of progress and setbacks from the grassroots protest movement that not only stirred West Bengal but also resonated across the nation and even attracted attention from abroad.
August 9, 2024: The victim's body was retrieved from the seminar hall at R.G. Kar in the morning.
August 10, 2024: Kolkata Police initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of civic volunteer Sanjay Roy.
August 13, 2024: The Calcutta High Court mandated a CBI inquiry into the case.
August 14, 2024: Women organized a night vigil titled 'Reclaim the Night,' with thousands participating in candle marches across various state locations, including Kolkata. That night, instances of vandalism were reported at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, allegedly aimed at destroying evidence.
August 18, 2024: A special bench led by the then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, D.Y. Chandrachud, announced a suo motu hearing of the case.
September 2 & 3, 2024: Junior doctors conducted a campaign at the city police headquarters, advocating for justice for the RG Kar victim and the safety of healthcare professionals. The investigation was assigned to Kolkata Police Commissioner, Vineet Goyal.
September 10, 2024: Junior doctors staged a sit-in protest outside Swasthya Bhavan, the state's health department headquarters.
September 11 & 12, 2024: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a meeting with junior doctors at Nabanna, which was canceled on both occasions.
September 14, 2024: Suddenly, Mamata Banerjee appeared on stage during the doctors' protest at Swasthya Bhavan.
September 16, 2024: The Chief Minister announced the termination of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal due to pressure from civil society and medical professionals.
September 20, 2024: Junior doctors ended their protest at Swasthya Bhavan.
September 27, 2024: Reports emerged of doctors and nurses being assaulted at Sagar Dutta Medical College Hospital, sparking a protest strike.
October 5, 2024: Junior doctors initiated a hunger strike in the Esplanade area of central Kolkata, insisting on the resignation of the Health Secretary.
October 7, 2024: The CBI submitted a chargesheet to the court against the main accused, Sanjay Roy.
October 19, 2024: The Chief Secretary visited the hunger strike site, facilitating a phone conversation between the Chief Minister and the protesters in an attempt to persuade them to cease their hunger strike, but to no avail.
October 21, 2024: Junior doctors had another meeting with the Chief Minister, after which they suspended their hunger strike. Although the strike ended, the movement continued.
November 9, 2024: The CBI filed its initial charge sheet in a special CBI court (Alipore) concerning financial irregularities at R.G. Kar, naming former principal Sandeep Ghosh among others.
January 18, 2025: A trial court in Kolkata convicted Sanjay Roy of rape and murder based on evidence provided by the CBI.
January 20, 2025: Sanjay Roy received a life sentence.
January 21, 2025: The West Bengal government petitioned the Calcutta High Court for the death penalty for Roy.
January 24, 2025: The CBI also filed a request at the Calcutta High Court for the death penalty for Roy.
February 7, 2025: The Calcutta High Court rejected the state's petition for the death penalty for Sanjay Roy but accepted the CBI's request. Meanwhile, the victim's parents did not advocate for the maximum punishment, emphasizing that Sanjay was not the sole perpetrator, urging the CBI to uncover other involved parties. They approached the Supreme Court with a petition to record additional witness testimonies and requested the Supreme Court allow the Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench to hear the case.
March 17, 2025: The Supreme Court permitted the Calcutta High Court to hear the case.
March 28, 2025: The CBI presented a status report to the Calcutta High Court, stating that the doctor-student was not gang-raped at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, and confirming that DNA tests on scene samples had been conducted.
July 16, 2025: Sanjay Roy submitted an acquittal petition at the Calcutta High Court, which was granted.
August 4, 2025: The Calcutta High Court requested the state's affidavit regarding the family's demand for a re-investigation into the murder and rape of the young doctor at RG Kar Hospital, but the state sought additional time. Although the state was expected to provide its statement by July 24, the judge expressed frustration when this did not occur, rescheduling the case for further hearing on August 11.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the passion and determination displayed by citizens and professionals alike in demanding justice. The ongoing investigations and protests highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety of women in all environments. This is a moment for introspection and action.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the RG Kar incident?
The RG Kar incident refers to the horrific rape and murder of a female junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, which occurred in August last year, sparking widespread protests and demands for justice.
What were the outcomes of the protests?
The protests led to various developments, including the conviction of the main perpetrator, Sanjay Roy, and ongoing investigations by the CBI into the broader conspiracy surrounding the crime.
What is the current status of the investigation?
As of now, the CBI has yet to complete its investigation into the larger conspiracy behind the crime, while the trial court has already sentenced the main accused to life imprisonment.
How have the events affected women's safety in workplaces?
The events have raised significant awareness about women's safety in workplaces, prompting calls for systemic changes and greater accountability from the state government.
What can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
Preventive measures include implementing strict security protocols, increasing awareness and training about workplace safety, and fostering a culture of accountability and support for victims.
