Amid ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a stern ultimatum to the police on Monday. She warned that if the case is not solved by Sunday, August 18, the investigation would be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Banerjee described the incident as "extremely painful" and "shocking," and revealed that the victim's parents had raised concerns that an insider might have been involved in the crime, in addition to the primary suspect.

"I have directed the police to investigate anyone, including the victim's friends and others, if there is any suspicion against them," Banerjee stated.

She also announced that various investigative resources, including a dog squad and forensic experts, have been deployed to crack the case. However, she emphasized that if the Kolkata Police fails to make progress by the given deadline, the CBI will take over.

Banerjee stressed the importance of swift justice, calling for the case to be fast-tracked to expedite the judicial process. She expressed her shock that the crime occurred despite the presence of nurses and security personnel at the hospital.

Following the victim's parents' allegations, several officials, including the hospital's principal, Head of Department, Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal (MSVP), and the ASP, have been removed from their positions.

The trainee doctor was discovered on August 9 with injury marks in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. An autopsy confirmed that she had been raped before being murdered. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested on August 10 and is currently in 14-day police custody. Although Roy was not officially associated with the hospital, he was known to frequent the premises.

In response to the incident, four petitions were filed in the Calcutta High Court, calling for a CBI investigation. The court is set to hear the matter on Tuesday, August 13.

Banerjee also reiterated that the accused would face the death penalty if necessary and stressed the need to expedite the case through a fast-track court to ensure the victim's family receives prompt justice.

The horrific incident has sparked nationwide protests, with thousands of doctors and post-graduate students striking in solidarity. The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of Delhi's AIIMS has issued six demands, including the transfer of the case to the CBI, strict action against those responsible, and adequate compensation for the victim's family.