Trial begins for RG Kar rape and murder case, 128 witnesses to testify

The judicial proceedings in the rape and murder case of a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital officially began on Monday in Sealdah court. The trial will involve a total of 128 witnesses, whose statements will be recorded over the course of the proceedings. Among the first witnesses to testify are the victim’s parents, who will provide their testimonies in the initial phase of the trial. Other witnesses, including junior doctors, police officials, and forensic experts, will testify in subsequent stages. The court has confirmed that daily hearings will be held to ensure timely progress.

At 12 PM on Monday, a CBI officer arrived at the victim’s home to escort her father to the CBI office for questioning, before proceeding to the Sealdah court for his testimony. Following the father’s statement, the victim’s mother is expected to testify. Both testimonies will be pivotal in the early phase of the trial, as they are key witnesses in the case. These proceedings mark the beginning of the formal judicial process, with the court setting daily hearings to facilitate the trial’s progress.

The tragic incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the victim’s body was discovered in a seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency section at RG Kar Hospital. Initially, the Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer, who was present at the hospital at the time of the incident. Following initial investigations, the case was transferred to the CBI under the direction of the High Court. On October 7, the CBI filed a charge sheet naming the arrested civic volunteer as the primary accused. The charge sheet, which was submitted 58 days after the crime, has identified the civic volunteer as the sole accused in the case, with no other individuals named at this stage.

The investigation and subsequent charge sheet have been met with controversy, particularly due to the claims made by the accused civic volunteer. On the day the charge sheet was filed, the volunteer, while being transported in a jail van, shouted that he was being falsely implicated. He denied the charges of rape and murder, alleging that he had been framed by the government to protect the real perpetrators. Despite his protests, the trial is proceeding, with the CBI continuing its investigation under the supervision of the High Court. The court has scheduled daily hearings, and further witnesses, including hospital staff and forensic experts, are set to testify in the coming days. The CBI’s involvement has raised further questions regarding the initial handling of the case by the Kolkata Police, with critics questioning the speed and thoroughness of the early investigation.