Supreme Court Directs CBI to Submit Fresh Report in Kolkata Medical Student Rape-Murder Case

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a new status report by September 17 regarding its investigation into the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud reviewed the status report presented in a sealed cover by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI. The court noted that the investigation is ongoing and requested a fresh report without providing further guidance to the agency.

Mehta informed the bench, which also included Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, that the CBI plans to send forensic samples to AIIMS for further examination.

The Supreme Court also instructed a senior officer from West Bengal’s Home department and a senior CISF officer to ensure that all three CISF companies deployed for security at RG Kar Hospital receive proper accommodations. Additionally, the court directed that all necessary security equipment should be provided to the CISF immediately.

During the hearing, the West Bengal government informed the court that 23 people had died as doctors went on strike to protest the rape and murder of the postgraduate student. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, submitted a status report from the state health department.

Earlier, on August 22, the Supreme Court had criticized the Kolkata Police for delaying the registration of the unnatural death case, calling it “extremely disturbing.” The court also raised concerns about the sequence of events and the timing of procedural formalities. The court had previously formed a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop protocols for ensuring the safety of doctors and healthcare professionals.

The alleged rape and murder of the junior doctor, whose body was found with severe injuries in a seminar hall on August 9, triggered nationwide protests. The Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the case on August 10. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, which took over the case on August 14.

(With inputs from agency)