Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: Supreme Court Seeks Clarification on ‘Unnatural Death’ Case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday resumed hearings on the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which took place on August 9. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is overseeing the proceedings.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, presented a status report from the state health department. “Twenty-three people have died as doctors continue their strike,” Sibal informed the court. Chief Justice Chandrachud sought clarity on when the case of unnatural death was officially registered.

The court is reviewing the status reports submitted by both the state government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI has been instructed to file an updated report by next Tuesday. The Chief Justice also noted, “We are not directing how the investigation should proceed.”

The incident has sparked widespread protests. On Sunday, thousands gathered across Kolkata and worldwide, under the movement “Reclaim the Night,” to demand justice and safety for women in public spaces.

On August 20, the Supreme Court described the incident as “horrific,” ordering the formation of a 10-member National Task Force to develop safety protocols for healthcare workers. Striking doctors were urged to return to work, with the court stating that “justice and medicine cannot be stopped.”

Initially, the investigation faced delays, prompting the Calcutta High Court to transfer the case from Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 13.

The victim’s body, found in a seminar hall on August 9, bore severe injuries. A civic volunteer was arrested the next day, followed by the arrest of the college’s former principal.

Protests have erupted globally, with over 130 demonstrations across 25 countries, including cities like New York, Sydney and Stockholm. In Kolkata, a 14-kilometre human chain was formed from Shyambazar to Sodepur, with citizens expressing solidarity. The victim’s mother, addressing a rally, said, “All these protesters are now my children.”

A political tussle has also emerged between the Centre and the West Bengal government. The Centre has accused the state of not cooperating with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was deployed to ensure security at RG Kar Medical College. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sought Supreme Court intervention, criticising the Mamata Banerjee-led government for “unpardonable” non-cooperation.