The long wait for justice in the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital has now lasted 52 days. The case, which has generated demonstrations and instability in the state's medical facilities, will be considered again by the Supreme Court on Monday. This follows the Supreme Court's suo moto cognisance of the case and its demand for a thorough inquiry by the Central Bureau of Inquiry (CBI). 

On Sunday, hundreds of students, doctors, and nurses from Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital marched in a torchlight rally to demand justice for the victim. Top doctors Tamonash Chowdhury and Utpal Banerjee led the march, which travelled from Sagar Dutta Hospital to Dunlop, passing by the Rathtala crossroads. "We stand united in seeking justice," said a junior doctor at the march, echoing many who believe the state government and police are attempting to cover up the case. 

The discovery of a young junior doctor's body in the emergency department of RG Kar Hospital on August 9 sparked significant outrage. Anger has grown against the state administration as suspicions of seeking to cover up the incident circulate. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case. However, the Supreme Court has voiced dissatisfaction with the investigation's progress. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the CBI's report during the last hearing. The court stated that the probe is at a critical stage and expects significant progress.

The lawsuit currently involves 44 accusers and nearly 200 lawyers. The Supreme Court panel, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will deliberate on Monday. Sources confirm that the hearing will begin at 2 p.m. in Court No. 1. In compliance with previous court orders, all parties have submitted their statements, and we anticipate the CBI to present its progress report during the hearing.

On September 12, the victim's father wrote a letter to the CBI, emphasising important points in the probe. In response, solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, stated that the concerns would be addressed. The victim's family, like many others, is desperate to learn the truth. "The investigation is crucial at this point, and we hope the CBI will bring us closer to justice," the father added in his letter. 

Meanwhile, tensions are rising at Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital, where junior physicians and nurses have been on strike for three days. The strike, which began with a violent conflict between hospital workers and a patient's family, only worsened after the event at RG Kar Hospital. Nurses and junior physicians who were attacked on Thursday night have expressed unhappiness with the lack of protection offered, despite the state government's recent pledge of a ₹100 crore allocation for hospital safety measures. 

Security concerns are crucial to the current turmoil. The management revealed plans for greater police presence during a meeting on Saturday with junior doctors, nurses, police officials, and hospital administrators. 39 police officers, up from 24 initially, have reinforced an outpost at Sagar Dutta Medical College. Despite these attempts, junior doctors are sceptical. "What does security seem like on paper compared to reality? "The incidents on Thursday night show that we are not safe," stated a protesting doctor. 

Protesters have been vociferous, displaying posters and writing inscriptions on the hospital's walls. "Your tea, your chop, your chop" and "When and where will Tilottama get justice?" are two slogans that express their intense displeasure. According to the Junior Doctors Front, the state government's failure to take severe action against accused authorities is evident. Despite purging a few individuals, the government did not take any substantial action. "We will not remain silent," declared another young doctor. 

During the upheaval, an important movement in the state emerged: self-defense training for women. In Junglemahal, women have banded together to train karate, boxing, and judo, recognising the critical necessity for self-defence. The Jangalmahal Self-Defence Coordination Committee organised a camp at Kelapathar School in Ranibandh, the region's first such program. "We cannot expect the administration to protect us. "We must protect ourselves," one of the guests stated. 

As the Supreme Court resumes hearings on Monday, the focus remains on the status of the CBI inquiry. With increasing pressure from protesters and the general public, all eyes are on the judiciary to provide justice in a case that has rattled the state.