RG Kar victim’s parents move Calcutta HC, call for nationwide protest on daughter’s birthday on Feb 9

The parents of Abhaya, the RG Kar Medical College doctor who was raped and murdered on August 9, have filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court seeking a change in the investigation. Their lawyer has requested time as the matter is also pending in the Supreme Court. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh has accepted the request, and the hearing will take place within the next three weeks. The state government has submitted its report in response to the plea, and the High Court has clarified that the family may approach it again if the Supreme Court issues further directives.

On January 30, the victim’s parents met with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose at Raj Bhavan, where they submitted a letter requesting him to take up their demand for justice with President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Governor assured them that necessary steps would be taken and stated, "The entire human civilization stands with you." The parents, who have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation, urged the Governor to ensure that the case is handled with urgency and transparency.

February 9 marks both six months since the crime and is Abhaya’s birthday. In a social media appeal, her mother has urged people across the country to protest in solidarity. "We will remain on the path of protest. We will not break down. We will fight until our last drop of blood," she stated. The family has requested government and private medical colleges, nursing homes, and all health institutions to light candles in protest. Additionally, they have urged people to plant flowering trees in her memory, as she loved them. The appeal emphasizes that their fight is not just for Abhaya but for justice in cases of crimes against women.

The legal proceedings in the case have been ongoing. The primary accused, Sanjay Roy, was a civic volunteer of Kolkata Police. He was arrested by the Kolkata Police soon after the incident and was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation. While he has been convicted, the victim’s family has continued to demand greater transparency in the handling of the case. The crime initially sparked widespread protests across West Bengal and beyond, but over time, public demonstrations have reduced.

With the protest call on February 9, the case has once again gained national attention. The victim’s parents have stated that they will continue their legal battle until justice is fully served. They have appealed to people from all sections of society to support their movement, emphasizing that their daughter's death should serve as a turning point in ensuring safer working conditions for women in the healthcare sector.