Rape trial in Kolkata begins | The star

A court in the eastern state of West Bengal in August began the trial of a police volunteer accused of the rape and murder of a doctor at a government hospital, a case that has sparked outrage over the lack of safety for women in India.

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

Charges were laid last week, with Roy saying he was “completely innocent” and framed, local media reported.

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

It also sheds light on the poor infrastructure and security in government hospitals in India, many of which lack basic amenities including CCTV cameras and security staff.

About 128 witnesses will be questioned during the trial, court sources said. Hearings are taking place daily as authorities want to speed up the high-profile case. They will not be open to the public.

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

In addition to defendant Roy, the Indian Federal Police said they had arrested the officer in charge of the local police station and the hospital superintendent for alleged evidence tampering and financial irregularities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met protesters last month and accepted most of their demands, doctors seeking reforms said.

But they added that they would monitor progress on her pledges and keep up the pressure for change. – Reuters