Calcutta High Court Orders CBI Probe into RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case
The Calcutta High Court has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata. This order came on Tuesday, with the Bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, emphasizing the need for a swift and thorough investigation.
The Court’s decision follows significant public and professional unrest, with the junior doctor’s tragic death leading to widespread protests by medical staff. The Court highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the investigation had made little progress five days after the incident. Concerns were raised that crucial evidence might be compromised and witnesses influenced if delays continued.
In its order, the Court instructed the State government to transfer the case diary and all related records to the CBI by 10 AM the next day. Additionally, a CBI officer has been requested to appear before the Court to ensure proper transfer and oversight. The case is set for another hearing in three weeks, by which time the CBI is expected to present its initial findings.
The incident, which resulted in the resignation of RG Kar Medical College’s principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, has sparked nationwide outrage. Allegations surfaced that Dr. Ghosh attempted to downplay the seriousness of the case by suggesting that the victim’s death was due to psychosis, rather than a violent crime. This led to accusations of a cover-up by the college administration, particularly since the victim’s family was initially misinformed that her death was a suicide.
The Court also addressed the widespread protests by doctors and appealed for them to resume their duties to avoid impacting patient care in government hospitals. It acknowledged the doctors’ grievances but stressed the importance of their role in serving patients, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
In response to the State’s handling of the case, the Court scrutinized why the incident was initially recorded as an “unnatural death” rather than a murder, and questioned the delay in lodging a formal complaint. The Court found it perplexing that the college principal, who was expected to lead the response, did not file a complaint immediately after the incident.
The Court also criticized the State’s decision to promptly offer Dr. Ghosh a new position at another institution, suggesting that this action was inappropriate given the circumstances surrounding his resignation. The Bench questioned the necessity and timing of this reassignment and instructed that Dr. Ghosh’s application for leave be accepted, barring him from taking up his new post until further orders are issued.
The ongoing legal and administrative actions underscore the seriousness with which the Court is treating this case, reflecting the broader societal concerns over justice and accountability in such grave matters.
(With inputs from agency)
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