In a recent directive, the Supreme Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to present a new status report by September 17 regarding the ongoing investigation into the heinous rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
During Monday’s hearing, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, reviewed the initial report submitted in a sealed envelope by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI. The bench stated, “A status report has been filed by CBI, indicating that the investigation is in progress. We direct the CBI to file a fresh status report… We do not wish to guide the CBI on its investigation.”
The bench also heard that forensic samples are slated to be sent to AIIMS for further examination as part of the investigation enhancements.
Additionally, the Supreme Court issued directives to ensure adequate logistical support for the security personnel involved. A senior officer from West Bengal’s Home department and a senior officer from the CISF were instructed to arrange accommodation for all three companies of the CISF currently deployed at the hospital. Furthermore, all necessary security gadgets were ordered to be provided immediately.
In a related submission, the West Bengal government revealed a dire consequence of the tragic event — a doctor’s strike in protest of the crime, leading to the deaths of 23 patients. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, reported these details during the hearing.
The hearing continues to unveil more about the state’s response and the judicial oversight being exerted to ensure a thorough investigation. This case first gained national attention following a severe delay in registering the unnatural death by Kolkata Police, which the Supreme Court described as “extremely disturbing” on August 22.
The incident, which occurred in a seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department on August 9, led to significant uproar and nationwide protests after the medic’s body was discovered with severe injuries. The Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the case on August 10, which was subsequently transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court on August 13, a day after CBI officially began its investigation.
