23 died amid doctors' strike: Bengal government's report in SC
The West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court that 23 people have died amid a doctors' strike protesting the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal—representing the Bengal government— presented a status report from the state health department to the bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. "A status report has been filed...Twenty-three people have died as doctors are on strike," Sibal told the bench.
'Extreme disturbing...': What SC had said
On August 22, the Supreme Court criticized the Kolkata Police for the delay in registering the unnatural death of the 31-year-old trainee doctor, describing it as "extremely disturbing." The court questioned the sequence and timing of the procedural steps taken. Previously, the top court had established a 10-member National Task Force to develop protocols for the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Central government urges support for CISF amid crisis
Separately, the Centre has asked the Supreme Court to address the West Bengal government's failure to support the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Union Home Ministry's application describes the Trinamool Congress government's alleged lack of cooperation as indicative of a broader issue and requests that the court direct state authorities to fully support the CISF.
Nationwide protests sparked by doctor's rape and murder
Junior doctors have been on strike demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Nearly a month into the CBI's investigation—only one arrest has been made, that of Sanjay Roy.
SC asks CBI to submit fresh status report
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the CBI to submit a fresh status report in the Kolkata rape-murder case next Tuesday (September 17). The directive came after Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, raised questions about who collected forensic samples in this case. Mehta also informed the court that additional samples would be sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further examination.
