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Trial begins regarding rape and murder of assistant doctor in Kolkata, India
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Trial begins regarding rape and murder of assistant doctor in Kolkata, India

The legal case has reignited criticism of India’s poor record on women’s safety, despite the introduction of tougher laws following the gang rape and murder of a woman on a moving bus in New Delhi in 2012.

This also highlights the poor infrastructure and security in government hospitals in India; Most of them lack basic facilities such as CCTV cameras and security personnel.

About 128 witnesses will be questioned during the trial and hearings will be held daily as authorities try to expedite the high-profile case, court sources told Reuters. They will not be open to the public.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the father of the alleged victim, the female doctor, testified on Monday.

Indian federal police said that apart from the accused Roy, they also arrested the officer in charge of the local police station and the hospital director for allegedly tampering with evidence and financial irregularities.

Reform-seeking doctors said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the protesters last month and agreed to most of their demands, but added that they would monitor progress and continue pressure for change in line with her assurances.