3 weeks ago
West Bengal Orders Two-Minute Silence in RG Kar 'Abhaya' Case
Two years ago, in August 2024, a young lady doctor who was training at a big hospital in Kolkata, India, was hurt very badly and died.
Her body was found in a room at the hospital.
People were very sad and angry, so doctors, students and other people walked in the streets to ask for safer hospitals.
They gave her the name 'Abhaya.'
Now, the state's health department has asked all its buildings to stay quiet for two minutes on August 9, 2026, to remember her.
Police and courts are still trying to find out what happened.
A high court asked a special team of investigators, led by the CBI, to check whether any important clues were destroyed.
There is also another case about money problems at the hospital, and the former principal and other people were named in that case.
Many people are still waiting for justice for the doctor.
Two years after the case, the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department directed all its establishments to observe two minutes of silence for 'Abhaya' from 11 am to 11:02 am on August 9, 2026.
The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor's body was found on August 9, 2024, inside a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Doctors, medical students and civil society groups protested across the country, demanding better safety arrangements for healthcare workers.
On May 21 this year, the Calcutta High Court ordered a three-member CBI-led Special Investigation Team to probe alleged destruction of evidence and the victim's family's concerns.
On November 29, 2025, the CBI filed a chargesheet in a separate financial irregularities case at RG Kar, naming former principal Sandip Ghosh and several others.
- Who
- Abhaya, a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, whose rape and murder drew nationwide attention; key parties include the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department, the Calcutta High Court and the CBI.
- What
- The West Bengal Health Department ordered two minutes of silence in her memory, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI-led Special Investigation Team to probe alleged destruction of evidence, and the CBI filed a chargesheet in a separate financial irregularities case.
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India; the incident took place at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
- When
- The silence is to be observed on August 9, 2026, exactly two years after the August 9, 2024 incident; the court order came on May 21 this year and the financial chargesheet on November 29, 2025.
- Why
- To remember the murdered doctor and because the case remains a focus of public and political demands for justice, healthcare worker safety and a transparent investigation.
Protesters and Victim's Family
Authorities and Legal Process
Investigation Transparency
Protesters and Victim's Family
Protesters and the victim's family allege mishandling of the case, including possible destruction of evidence, and continue to demand a fair, transparent investigation and justice.
Authorities and Legal Process
Investigating authorities are conducting probes with court oversight, including the Calcutta High Court's order for a CBI-led Special Investigation Team, and the CBI has filed a chargesheet in the related financial irregularities case.
Protest and Public Anger
Protesters and Victim's Family
Students and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders organised marches such as 'Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan' in 2025, reflecting continuing anger over the investigation and the circumstances of the crime.
Authorities and Legal Process
The state has responded through administrative and judicial channels, with the health department directing an official two-minute silence tribute and the courts directing fresh investigations into the case.
Key facts
- Victim
- 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor, referred to as 'Abhaya'
- Incident date
- August 9, 2024
- Incident location
- Seminar room, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
- Memorial silence
- August 9, 2026, 11:00–11:02 am
- Ordering authority
- West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department (notice issued August 8)
- Court order
- May 21 this year: Calcutta High Court ordered a three-member CBI-led SIT to probe alleged evidence destruction and family concerns
- Financial chargesheet
- November 29, 2025: CBI named former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and others
- Protest
- 2025 'Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan' march by students and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders
Sources
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