The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) India on Tuesday took suo motu congnisance of a media report carried on August 9, stating that the death of the Kolkata trainee doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at the Seminar Hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last week. The human rights commission has also sought detailed report in the matter within two weeks from the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal.
In its statement, the Commission stated that the body of the victim had scratch marks, indicating that there was a certain level of struggle involved at the time of the incident. It also noted the allegations of the deceased's family that their daughter was raped and murdered.
"The commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim," the statement read.
"The report is expected to include the present status of the investigation being conducted by the police and action taken against the responsible persons as well as compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased. The Commission would also like to know about the steps taken or proposed by the authorities to ensure that such incidents do nor recur," it added.
CBI Probe Ordered
Meanwhile, a CBI probe has been ordered into the matter. The Calcutta High Court ordered the central probe agency to take over the matter of the death of the junior doctor and asked the police to hand over all the documents to CBI immediately.
Earlier today, media reports stated that the police secured the "confession" of the suspect, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, who agreed to committing the crime alone. He has also sought capital punishment for himself.
He was arrested after a torn bluetooth earphone wire piece was found at the crime spot and the CCTV footage showed him entering into the building around the time of the incident.
AIIMS Delhi Warns Resident Doctors Against Strikes In/Around Hospital
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Monday issued an office memorandum to resident doctors, warning them against any strike, demonstration, or 'dharna' in or around the hospital premises.
Referring to the letter forwarded by the resident doctors regarding shutdown of all elective and non-essential services from Monday onwards, the AIIMS quoted "Court of its own motions vs AlIIMS 2001," stressing that it is obligatory on the part of the authorities of the AIIMS that no one from the insititution gets involved in "any kind of deviancy" by taking recourse to protests and strikes.
"He who engages himself in such an activity would be liable for disciplinary proceeding and also for the contempt of this court," the memorandum noted.
This comes as nationwide protests erupted following the RG Kar doctor's death, demanding resignation of authorities concerned and security protocols for healthcare workers.
On Monday, the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) had announced a nationwide pause in elective services in hospitals. It also wrote a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, describing the Kolkata incident as "perhaps the greatest travesty to have occurred in the history of the resident doctor community".
A day after the protest announcement, FORDA continued its indefinite strike today to protest against the incident after the meeting with Union Health ministry did not reach any conclusion.
The massive uproar triggered by the mysterious death of the 31-year-old doctor has paralysed elective services, including non-emergency services and OPDs.