Kolkata To Witness Protests Over “Default Bail” In RG Kar Murder Case

On Saturday, Kolkata is set to see a resurgence of protests following the controversial granting of “default bail” to two individuals accused of tampering with evidence in the case of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The decision has sparked outrage from both the medical community and the general public, who are demanding accountability for the failure of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file charges within the stipulated timeframe.

On Friday, a special court in Kolkata granted “default bail” to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar, and Abhijit Mondal, the former SHO of Tala Police Station. Both face accusations of misleading the investigation and tampering with crucial evidence in the case. The court granted bail because the CBI failed to file the charge sheet against them within the mandated 90-day period from their arrest.

Medical Community And Public Express Outrage

The decision has sparked intense protests, particularly from the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), which has been vocal in criticizing the CBI’s delay. The WBJDF has announced a day-long protest on Saturday, aimed primarily at holding the CBI accountable for its failure to meet legal deadlines.

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At 2 PM on Saturday, the WBJDF will lead a protest rally towards the office of the CBI’s special crime unit at the Central Government Office (CGO) complex, demanding that the agency take moral responsibility for its failure to act within the prescribed time limit. In addition, two other medical organisations the Medical Service Centre and the Nurse’s Unit will hold parallel rallies to voice their concerns.

In solidarity with the medical community, “Abhaya Manch,” a joint platform representing various segments of society, will also organize a protest demonstration at Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata on Saturday afternoon. The WBJDF has announced that its representatives will join this protest, which has called for widespread participation from the general public.

Possible Resumption Of Ceasework Protests

The WBJDF has also indicated that they may resume their “ceasework protests”—which they had suspended a few months ago—if the situation does not improve. These protests are likely to escalate if justice is not served, especially with allegations of influential figures being involved in the case.