 "From Japan to US: How Kolkata rape protests have spread to 25 countries")
It has been a month since the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on August 9 shocked India and the world. The case continues to unravel with the Supreme Court asking the Central Bureau of Investigation to submit a new status report by September 17.
The ‘Reclaim the Night’ protests have gripped West Bengal for weeks now, as Sunday witnessed a wave of demonstrations with thousands taking to the streets demanding justice. The anger is growing and spreading beyond India. The Indian communities in more than 130 cities across 25 countries have joined the stir. While the protests began in small groups across Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore on Sunday (September 8), they quickly spread to cities in several European countries and the United States.
Protests across the globe
In Sweden’s Stockholm, a large group of black-clad women gathered in Sergels Torg Square to sing songs in Bengali and hold signs demanding accountability for the crime and safety of Indian women, reports Reuters.
“The news of this heinous crime committed on a young trainee doctor while on duty numbed and shocked each of us at the sheer ruthlessness, brutality and disregard of human life,” said Dipti Jain, an organiser of the global demonstrations.
Jain, now a British citizen and alumni of the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, organised a women doctors’ protest in the UK last month.
Supreme Court to hear case on September 9
The Supreme Court heard the case on Monday (September 9). Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has asked the CBI to submit a fresh status by next week. He sought clarification on the victim’s time of death and the ‘unnatural death’ entry made after.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe matter will be taken up on September 17.
The Centre has recently filed an application in the apex court alleging “unpardonable” non-cooperation by the West Bengal government in extending logistical support to the CISF, tasked with providing security at the hospital.
The CJI has now asked the officer of the home department and CISF to ensure all companies of CISF are provided accommodation within the hospital’s vicinity. “We direct an officer of the home department and the CISF shall jointly ensure that all companies of CISF are provided accommodation within the vicinity of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital,” he said.
Dean of RG Kar Medical suspended
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the former principal of the RG Kar Medical College , Dr Sandip Ghosh, on September 2 for alleged financial irregularities at the hospital.
As per a report by India Today, there were instances indicating the syphoning of funds by collusive tender management, and the money then reached the accused in this case. CBI sources said further verification and investigation were going on.
The case stems from allegations levelled by Dr Akhtar Ali, a former deputy superintendent at RG Kar. Ali accused Ghosh and his associates of wastage of government funds, nepotism, and irregularities in vendor selection and recruitment.
The anti-rape bill
On September 3, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 , in the State Legislative Assembly, aiming to create a “safer environment for women and children.”
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Rape is now a national shame. Let us come together for social reform which is needed to prevent rapes.”
Also Read: Kolkata rape-murder: Who is Anup Dutta, the policeman under scanner as CBI demands polygraph test?
The legislation proposes capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or cause her to become vegetative.
The case
A junior doctor was murdered and raped at the state-run hospital. The medic’s body with severe injury marks was found inside the seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police in connection with the case the following day.
The hospital authorities reportedly tried to cover up the crime by first telling the victim’s family that she died by suicide. The parents of the Kolkata doctor have also accused the Kolkata Police of attempting to destroy evidence since the beginning of the case.
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
