The unfortunate death of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata, who was brutally raped and murdered, has sent shockwaves across the country.

Doctors, student organizations and politicians across the country have taken to the streets demanding justice for the doctor. People from all walks of life have expressed their strong views and called on the relevant authorities to take care of the safety of doctors in the country.

In light of this unfortunate incident, doctors and the public are demanding answers from the government. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called a nationwide strike that has severely affected the healthcare system.

Here is a timeline of events so far:

• August 9, 2024: A 31-year-old doctor-in-training at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata was raped and murdered. She was found dead with injuries on her face in the hospital’s seminar room.
• August 10, 2024: Police arrest accused Sanjay Roy in connection with the rape and murder of the junior doctor. The autopsy report confirms murder after sexual assault. IMA and protesting doctors demand immediate action.
• August 11, 2024: The West Bengal government transferred the superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata for alleged lapses that led to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the hospital premises, ANI reported.
• August 12, 2024: The Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Sandip Ghosh, resigns from his post. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) announces a nationwide freeze on elective services in protest.
• August 13, 2024: Protests intensify, doctors across the country join forces and demand action. Calcutta HC finds that the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Medical Kar Medical College in Kolkata was “so cruel” and orders the former director of RG Kar Hospital to go on extended leave. Hospital services across the country have been affected due to the ongoing protests by doctors.
• August 14, 2024: The CBI takes the accused into custody and begins investigation.
• August 15, 2024: A large group of unidentified men storm the RG Kar Medical College Hospital and vandalize the emergency room and nursing ward. The IMA announces a nationwide shutdown for 24 hours on August 17 in protest against the rape and murder of the junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and against the “hooliganism unleashed against the protesting doctors on the eve of Independence Day”.
• August 17, 2024: Indian Medical Association (IMA) national president Dr RV Asokan has requested Prime Minister Modi to “intervene” in the Kolkata rape and murder case of a trainee doctor, saying the “time is ripe” for the PM to intervene. “We will write to the Prime Minister. The time is ripe for his intervention,” Asokan told ANI. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has claimed that the RG Medical College and Hospital site where the 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered was suddenly renovated. Security lapses and possible evidence tampering occurred. The NCW has also reported security lapses. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked the protesting doctors to return to duty and said it will form a committee to recommend measures to ensure safety of healthcare professionals in response to the concerns raised by the associations.

(With contributions from the agency)