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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 woman’s body was found on August 9 in a classroom at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in the state capital Kolkata, federal police said. They also said that they arrested volunteer constable Sanjay Roy for the crime.

Reuters

12 November 2024 08:25

Last modified: 12 November 2024, 08:32

Medics walk along a street during a protest condemning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, India, September 10, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary/File Photo

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Medics walk along a street during a protest condemning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, India, September 10, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary/File Photo

Medics walk along a street during a protest condemning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, India, September 10, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary/File Photo

A court in the eastern state of West Bengal began the trial Monday of a police volunteer accused of raping and murdering a doctor at a government hospital in August; This case sparked outrage over the lack of safety for women in India.

The woman’s body was found on August 9 in a classroom at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in the state capital Kolkata, federal police said. They also said that they arrested volunteer constable Sanjay Roy for the crime.

According to local media reports, the charges were prepared last week and Roy said he was “completely innocent” and had been slandered.

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.