Kolkata: In a major development in the high-profile R.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder case, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a fresh and comprehensive probe into the incident.
The court observed that the social sensitivity of the case, concerns regarding women’s safety, and allegations of evidence tampering warranted an independent and detailed investigation.
National Outrage and Institutional Scrutiny
The case had triggered nationwide outrage in August 2024 after a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital was allegedly raped and murdered inside the hospital premises. The incident sparked massive protests by the medical fraternity, women’s groups, and civil society organizations across the country. From the beginning, the victim’s family alleged that attempts were made to influence evidence and downplay the seriousness of the crime.
A division bench comprising Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Tirthankar Ghosh directed that the SIT be headed by the Joint Director of the CBI’s Eastern Zone. The court further instructed that the remaining two members of the team be finalized within 48 hours. According to the order, the investigation must not remain confined only to the murder itself but should cover the entire sequence of events—from the time the victim had dinner at the hospital on the night of the incident until her cremation the following day.
Mandate to Investigate Evidence Tampering
The High Court clarified that the SIT would investigate allegations related to destruction of evidence, shielding of possible offenders, and attempts to suppress the matter. The bench emphasized that the concerns raised by the victim’s parents must be taken seriously and that all aspects of the case deserve renewed scrutiny.
Earlier in the case, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime. However, the victim’s family has consistently maintained that more than one person may have been involved in the offence. In their petition before the court, the family argued that several crucial aspects were overlooked during the initial stages of the investigation.
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Reviewing Early Lapses and Administrative Delays
The court also noted that previous CBI reports had indicated serious lapses and irregularities on the part of both the police and hospital administration before the investigation was transferred to the central agency. The bench observed that these findings required deeper examination to determine whether there had been any deliberate attempt to destroy evidence or influence the direction of the investigation.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that digital records, call data, CCTV footage, and electronic evidence play a critical role in high-profile criminal investigations. According to him, any negligence in preserving digital evidence during the initial stages can significantly impact the course of an investigation. He added that technically competent and independent investigative agencies are essential in sensitive cases involving public trust and institutional accountability.
Next Steps and Future Judicial Proceedings
The High Court has directed the CBI to place the case diary, relevant documents, and all crucial materials before the court during the next hearing. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on June 25, by which time the SIT has been instructed to submit a comprehensive progress report.
The case has once again reignited debate over workplace safety for women, security arrangements in government hospitals, and the accountability of investigating agencies. Legal experts believe that the High Court’s latest order could bring a new direction to the investigation and may uncover whether there were organized attempts to conceal evidence or dilute the seriousness of the crime in its immediate aftermath.
