The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns regarding the timeline and procedures followed by West Bengal Police in the Kolkata rape-murder case. During the hearing, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice J.B. Pardiwala questioned the sequence of events, particularly the delay in registering the case as an unnatural death and the timing of the postmortem. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has assured that no action will be taken against individuals engaged in peaceful protests in West Bengal. The matter will be heard again next week. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and the Solicitor General have both indicated that they wish to address the court on this issue
CBI involvement and allegations of tampering
The CBI, now handling the investigation, informed the court that the crime scene was tampered with, complicating the investigation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that the first FIR was filed only after the victim's cremation, raising further suspicions.
Court criticises state's conduct
Justice Pardiwala expressed dissatisfaction with the state's handling of the case, questioning the role of a non-medical assistant superintendent and the legitimacy of the police records. The court has ordered the police officer who made the initial entry to appear at the next hearing to clarify the details.
Nationwide protests
The case, involving the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College, has led to widespread protests across India. The victim's body, found with severe injuries in the hospital's seminar hall, has prompted the medical fraternity to demand justice and accountability. The Supreme Court has assured protesting doctors that no adverse action will be taken against them if they resume work.
AIIMS doctors' strike: SC directs doctors to return to work
During the hearing of a petition filed by an AIIMS resident doctor, CJI Chandrachud stated that doctors absent from duty would be marked as such, urging them to return to work. The court emphasised that the law will take its course and that patient care should not be disrupted. Despite AIIMS doctors mentioning their grievances about being victimized during the strike, the CJI reiterated that they must resume duty, as an expert committee has been formed to address their concerns.
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Bengal Police have submitted their investigation reports to the Supreme Court in sealed envelopes regarding the brutal murder and rape of a doctor in Kolkata. The case has garnered widespread attention, leading to a demand for a thorough and impartial investigation. The submission of these sealed reports indicates progress in the case, with further details expected to emerge during the court proceedings.
The Supreme Court will hear today the status report filed by the CBI and West Bengal Police concerning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. The report, submitted in a sealed cover, details the ongoing investigation, including interrogations of key suspects like Sanjoy Roy and former principal Sandeep Ghosh.
Investigation details
The CBI's report aims to clarify the progress of the investigation, including whether Sanjoy Roy acted alone or if there were other conspirators. It will also address forensic findings, the involvement of former principal Sandeep Ghosh, and any irregularities in the police investigation.
Supreme Court criticises delays
The Supreme Court previously reprimanded the West Bengal government for delays in registering the FIR and criticised Kolkata Police for their handling of the case. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted systemic issues regarding the safety of medical professionals and questioned why the principal initially attempted to classify the death as suicide.
Call for doctors to resume work
The Court urged protesting doctors to return to work, emphasising that their concerns are being taken seriously. Nationwide protests erupted following the discovery of the trainee doctor's body in the hospital seminar hall on August 9, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the transfer of the case to the CBI on August 13.
Key figures in the investigation
1. Sanjoy Roy - Primary accused
2. Sandeep Ghosh - Former principal, subject of multiple interrogations
3. First witness of the body in the hospital
4-5. Victim's parents
6. Assistant Superintendent who first reported the death as suicide
7-10. Four doctors who dined with the victim
11. Food delivery person
12. ASI Arup Dutta, where Sanjoy allegedly rested post-crime
13. Saurabh, Sanjoy’s friend
14-17. Four junior doctors close to the victim
18-22. Five doctors who conducted the post-mortem
23. Hospital officer Bulbul
24. Chest department official
Additionally, 49 ground staff and renovation workers present at the hospital are under scrutiny.
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