News Brief

RG Kar Case Update: Supreme Court Asks West Bengal How Accused Sanjay Roy Was Recruited As Civic Volunteer

Nishtha Anushree

Oct 15, 2024, 05:30 PM | Updated 05:30 PM IST


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday (15 October) that it has filed a chargesheet against Sanjoy Roy, a civic police volunteer, in connection with the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud noted the lack of "substantial progress" by the court-constituted National Task Force (NTF), which was established to recommend measures for enhancing the safety of medical professionals nationwide.

In addition, the Chief Justice criticized the recruitment of civic police volunteers as a form of "political patronage" and ordered the West Bengal government to provide details about the recruitment process at the next hearing.

The Centre was directed to ensure that the NTF submits its interim status report within three weeks. The State was also instructed to outline steps taken to prevent such volunteers from being assigned to sensitive institutions.

The 9 August incident sparked widespread protests across the state, with junior doctors and the public demanding justice for the victim and improved safety measures for medical professionals.

Other demands include the creation of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions.

Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.


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