Kolkata rape-murder LIVE: CBI to conduct polygraph test on RG Kar ex-principal, 4 others

SC concerned over inhuman working hours of doctors, says NTF will consider it

During is hearing, the Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the inhuman working hours, sometimes 36 hours at a stretch, of the resident doctors across the nation.

The observations were made by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud while hearing a suo motu case related to rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a hospital in Kolkata.

"We are deeply concerned about the inhuman working hours of resident doctors across the country. Some doctors work 36-hour shifts. The committee appointed should look into streamlining the on-duty hours of all doctors. The 36 or 48 hour shifts are just inhuman,” the CJI said. Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra were also on the bench.

The top court highlighted the tough work schedules of the doctors, especially the resident doctors, and said the National Task Force (NTF) will look into this aspect as well.

The NTF was set up by the top court to recommend uniform safety protocols for the medical professionals across the country by taking into account the suggestions of all the stakeholders.

The issues were also flagged by lawyer Tanvi Dubey, appearing for intervenors FAIMA (Federation of All India Medical Association).

Senior lawyer Vijay Hansaria and lawyer Sneha Kalita, representing the Delhi Medical Association, also raised this issue besides other safety aspects pertaining to the doctors and health professionals in the country.

"It is undoubted that the views of diverse stakeholders be taken by the NTF before framing the recommendations. To facilitate the filing of suggestions before the NTF, we direct the Secretary, Ministry of Family Welfare of the Union, to open a specific portal on the website of the ministry on which the different stakeholders can submit their suggestions or consideration," the bench said.

CBI gets court' permission to conduct a polygraph test on former principal Dr Sandip Ghosh, 4 docs

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#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case | Director of Medical Education Dr Kaustav Nayek says, "The new principal has joined...It (deployment of CISF) depends on the situation. They will leave one the situation is fine...Everything will be fine. Let the… pic.twitter.com/2CAHGo2XyG

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2024

CBI tells SC about police's alleged attempt to cover-up rape and murder

CBI told SC that there was an attempt by police to cover-up rape and killing as the crime scene was altered when the agency took over. 

FAIMA calls off protest

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Thursday decided to end its 11-day strike, called to protest against the rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata, following "positive directions" from the Supreme Court.

The apex court earlier in the day asked protesting doctors to resume work and assured them that no adverse action would be taken after they rejoin.

"#FAIMA has decided to call off the strike following positive directions from the #Chief Justice of India. We welcome the acceptance of our prayers for interim protections and the necessary steps to enhance security in hospitals. United, we will continue to fight legally," FAIMA, an umbrella body of doctors, said in a post on X.

The move comes soon after several resident doctors' associations (RDAs) called off their strike over Kolkata incident, following an appeal from the Supreme Court.

RDAs of AIIMS Delhi, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and the Delhi government-run Indira Gandhi Hospital also announced their decision to call off the strike.

CBI may conduct polygraph test on former principal, four medics

CBI approaches court for permission to conduct a polygraph test on former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Principal Dr Sandip Ghosh and four doctors: Sources

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#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case | Kolkata, West Bengal: CBI brings former principal of the Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sandip Ghosh to CBI Special Crime Branch at CGO complex, Salt Lake. pic.twitter.com/jamxREwiJ4

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2024

Mamata demands ‘stringent’ law against rapes in letter to PM Modi

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for stringent legislation to deal with rape cases and completion of trial within 15 days among other things. Excerpts of the letter have been shared by chief advisor to Banerjee, Alapan Bandyopadhyay

Here is what the letter says:

“Respected Prime Minister, I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases rapes with murder are committed according to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occur daily throughout the country. This shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation. It is bounden duty for all of us to put an end to it so that the women feel safe and secure. Such serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner through stringent central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes. Setting up of fast-track special courts for speedy trials in such cases should also be considered in the proposed legislation to ensure quick justice. Trial in such cases should preferably be completed within 15 days."

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