Priyanka Tiwari
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On Monday, the Calcutta High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit the case diary for its investigation into the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The diary is to be produced on the next date of hearing, scheduled for March 28.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh inquired whether the CBI was considering the possibility of gang rape or the destruction of evidence during its ongoing investigation.
Petitioners Request Deeper Probe Into Conspiracy
The parents of the deceased, a postgraduate trainee doctor, filed a petition seeking a court-monitored investigation. They referred to the CBI's earlier submission of a charge-sheet, which had mentioned the likelihood of a broader conspiracy. Based on this, the petitioners demanded a more comprehensive investigation.
Justice Ghosh said the court would review their request depending on the current status of the CBI’s probe and the investigation report to be submitted.
Court Seeks Clarity on Nature of Crime and Accused
The court instructed the CBI to clarify whether it had examined the crime under Section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to gang rape. It also asked if the agency believed the offense was committed by more than one person. If so, the court sought details on potential suspects.
Victim Found in Hospital Seminar Room
The body of the doctor was discovered on August 9, 2024, in the seminar room of the state-run hospital in North Kolkata. Following public interest litigations (PILs), the High Court had transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI.
Kolkata Police had arrested Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, on charges of rape and murder. In January 2025, a sessions court convicted Roy and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Legal Questions Raised About Further Investigation
Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, representing the West Bengal government, stated that the state did not object to further investigation. However, he asked the court to clarify whether a new investigation could proceed after a conviction and sentencing.
Banerjee also raised concerns about the authority of the trial court to permit further investigation once the trial had concluded. He criticized the pace of the CBI’s investigation, while the Deputy Solicitor General defended the agency, stating no unfair allegations should be made.
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