Doctor's rape and murder case in Kolkata live: Victim calls RG Kar Hospital and Medical College her “second home”; police apply Section 163

Asha Devi, Nirbhaya's mother, expressed her outrage over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

A studious child (victim), she secured 90% in Madhyamik (state 10th class) and 89% in senior secondary. Her mother (62) said that since the birth of her only child, her life revolved around her. “She meant everything to us.”

Sanjib Mukherjee, a next-door neighbour, said the whole neighbourhood had celebrated the aspiring doctor's academic achievements and that her father had also achieved success. “He worked his way up from being a tailor to becoming a garment maker. The daughter was a dedicated medical student,” he said, adding that they had recently bought a new car and renovated their old house.

Other neighbors spoke of her love for animals – she cared for strays, fed them and rescued them. “She also loved gardening. Whenever she came home on leave, some of us would consult her about medical problems and she would readily help,” said Kakoli Ghosh, a neighbor.

The West Bengal government revoked the transfer orders of 42 doctors just 24 hours after they were issued, following an intervention by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Allegations had surfaced that the transfers were directed against faculty members protesting against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a government hospital.

Meanwhile, the CBI extensively filmed the seminar room at RG Kar Hospital where the 31-year-old postgraduate was found raped and murdered. The video footage, which used 3D images, lasted for nearly 10 hours on Saturday. The crime scene and allegations of attempted destruction of evidence were hotly debated during a hearing in the Calcutta High Court on Friday after the hospital was vandalised on the intervening night of August 14-15. The Calcutta Police had claimed that the crime scene was safe, but the victim's family raised doubts and said the seminar room may not have been the actual crime scene.

On Saturday, two CBI officials arrived at the seminar hall early in the morning, equipped with 3D laser scanners to digitally map the location. They remained at the hospital from 10:30 am till late night, avoiding any interaction with the media. Stay tuned to TOI for more updates: