The Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation probing the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case to file a fresh status report on the probe by September 16. The apex court also directed the West Bengal government to ensure adequate facilities are being provided for CISF personnel deployed for security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The Supreme Court examined the status report on the investigation during the hearing on Monday. The West Bengal government informed the Court that as many as 23 people died as doctors were not working, protesting demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9.
A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra queried at what time an entry for unnatural death was made and whether all related CCTV footage from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been handed over to the CBI by Kolkata police.
The bench directed the state government to provide necessary facilities for CISF personnel deployed for security at the hospital after Centre complained in Court about the lack of amenities. The apex court directed a senior officer from state home department and a senior CISF official to liaison, and ensure all necessary facilities are provided for the central force by 9pm today. A total of three companies of CISF including women have been deployed for security at RG Kar Hospital.
The apex court also directed governments to take measures to remove photographs of the victim from social media.
The apex court took a suo moto case in connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the Kolkata hospital following widespread protests by medicos. The Court has also set up a National Task Force to formulate an action plan for safety of medical professionals at hospitals.
The apex court directed the West Bengal government to ensure basic safety measures are deployed in hospitals. The bench directed state government to inform Court on additional safety measures taken at RG Kar Hospital after the incident.
The bench directed resident doctors to return to work by 5pm on Tuesday and no disciplinary action will be taken on those medical practitioners.
The state government directed district collectors and police superintendents to take stock of security facilities at government hospitals and take necessary remedial measures within a week. The bench directed the government to ensure separate duty rooms for male and female practitioners, CCTV cameras and deployment of CISF personnel for security.
