The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered a CBI investigation into the sexual assault and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The high court directed the Kolkata Police to immediately transfer all relevant documents to the CBI.

The case has sparked widespread protests by doctors across India. On Tuesday, over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra went on strike, excluding emergency services. Junior doctors in the national capital also demonstrated outside a government hospital with signs reading, “Doctors are not punching bags,” demanding a thorough investigation.

The protests have caused significant disruptions in hospital services, leaving thousands of patients stranded in cities like Lucknow and Goa. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the tough working conditions and violence faced by doctors. In a letter to Health Minister J.P. Nadda, the IMA called for improved safety and working conditions.

Emergency services remained suspended on Tuesday in almost all government-run medical college hospitals in Kolkata.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault, the National Human Rights Commission has (NHRC) called for a detailed report on the investigation and any compensation for the victim’s family from West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.

Additionally, the Calcutta High Court has questioned the recent appointment of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, to a new role at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh resigned amid accusations of defamation on social media. The court has instructed him to submit a leave application or face removal from his new position.

(With inputs from agencies)