The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (May 21) directed the CBI to conduct a fresh investigation into alleged attempts to cover up evidence in the RG Kar rape and murder case, ordering the agency to constitute a three-member Special Investigation Team headed by an officer of Joint Director rank. The division bench instructed the SIT to submit a detailed report by June 24 and revisit all aspects of the case, including the possibility of the involvement of more individuals in the crime and any subsequent suppression of evidence.
The case pertains to the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024, an incident that sparked massive protests across West Bengal and triggered nationwide outrage over women’s safety and the handling of the probe.
Also Read | RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: 3 Police Officers Suspended for Allegedly Mishandling Probe, Bribe Offer
During Thursday’s hearing, the bench directed the CBI SIT to revisit the crime scene, record fresh statements of the victim’s parents and examine all documents and evidence linked to the earlier investigation, including digital material.
The court also sought clarification from the agency on whether there had been any deliberate attempt to shield individuals connected to the crime.
3 Police Officers Suspended for Allegedly Mishandling Probe
The order comes days after the Bengal government on May 15 suspended three senior IPS officers for their alleged “mishandling” and dereliction of duty during the probe of the RG Kar Hospital rape-and-murder case. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this, saying that the three officers mishandled the case during the initial phase of investigation. Announcing the decision at the state secretariat, Adhikari said the suspension of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and ex-deputy commissioners Indira Mukherjee and Abhishek Gupta was ordered in the wake of a departmental probe initiated against them.
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Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI after expressing dissatisfaction over the initial probe and questioning why the case was initially treated as an “unnatural death.”
The division bench of Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Tirthankar Ghosh observed that the order for reinvestigation was being passed considering “the nature of the crime and social gratification.”
The matter will next be heard on June 24, when the newly formed CBI SIT is expected to place its findings before the court.