Kolkata, 9 August (H.S.): On the eve of the first anniversary of the rape and murder of a junior female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, thousands of people in Kolkata took out a torch rally on Friday night, accusing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of failing to uncover the “larger conspiracy” behind the crime.

Organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, the rally began from College Square and proceeded to Shyambazar’s five-point crossing, located close to RG Kar Medical College. It saw the participation of a large number of doctors as well as members of the public. The protest continued late into the night, with demonstrators staying on the spot until 4 a.m.

The incident dates back to August last year, when the victim’s body was found in the hospital’s seminar hall. Initial investigations by Kolkata Police and the state administration drew criticism for alleged negligence and for protecting the mastermind. The case was later handed over to the CBI, but the agency endorsed the Kolkata Police’s findings, naming civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the sole accused. This, protesters said, fuelled both anger and frustration.

The victim’s parents, who had just returned from Delhi after meeting the CBI Director, told reporters in Kolkata, “We told the CBI chief clearly that the agency has completely failed in our daughter’s case. Initially, we had faith in the CBI, but after a year, that trust is gone.”

Unlike last year, when slogans mainly targeted the state government and Kolkata Police, this rally’s banners and chants were directed squarely at the CBI. Protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the “real masterminds” behind the “larger conspiracy” are exposed.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh