Trial starts over rape, murder of junior doctor in India's Kolkata

KOLKATA — A court in the eastern state of West Bengal began the trial on Monday (Nov 11) of a police volunteer accused of raping and murdering a doctor at a government hospital in August, a case that sparked outrage over the lack of safety for women in India.

The woman's body was found in a classroom at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in the state capital Kolkata on Aug 9, the federal police said. They also said they had arrested a police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, for the crime.

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Charges were drawn up last week, while Roy said he was "completely innocent" and was being framed, local media reported. 

The legal case has reignited criticism of India's poor record on women's safety, despite the introduction of tougher laws following the 2012 gang rape and murder of a woman on a moving bus in New Delhi.

It also shines a light on the poor infrastructure and security at government hospitals in India, many of which lack basic facilities, including CCTV cameras and security personnel.

Around 128 witnesses will be examined during the trial, court sources told Reuters, with hearings taking place on a daily basis as the authorities look to fast-track the high-profile case. They will not be open to the public.

One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the father of the woman doctor, the victim, gave evidence on Monday.

In addition to the defendant Roy, India's federal police said they arrested the officer in charge of the local police station and the superintendent of the hospital for allegedly tampering with evidence and financial irregularities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met protesters in October and accepted most of their demands, doctors seeking reforms said. They added that they would track progress on her assurances and maintain pressure for change.

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