The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a status report to the Supreme Court on Thursday, revealing shocking details in the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. According to the CBI, the crime scene was tampered with, and the West Bengal Police initially informed the victim’s parents that it was a suicide before later changing their stance to murder.
The Supreme Court is currently overseeing the suo motu case regarding the tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is closely monitoring the proceedings.
During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud inquired about the medical report concerning injuries sustained by the accused. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, responded that this information is included in the case diary.
CBI Investigation: Tampering Allegations and Delayed FIR
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the CBI entered the investigation on the fifth day after the incident, at which point “everything was altered,” making it difficult for the probe agency to proceed effectively. Mehta pointed out that the First Information Report (FIR) was registered at 11:45 am, following the cremation of the victim’s body, and that videography of the scene was conducted only after senior doctors and the victim’s colleagues insisted on it, indicating their suspicions.
Kapil Sibal countered Mehta’s claims, asserting that everything was videographed and that there had been no alterations to the scene.
Supreme Court’s Response
The Supreme Court has been critical of the state government’s handling of the case, particularly regarding the delay in filing the FIR and the subsequent vandalism at the state-run facility by thousands of miscreants. Describing the incident as “horrific,” the apex court has taken a firm stance on ensuring accountability and justice.
In response to the widespread outrage and the need for better protection of healthcare professionals, the top court recently constituted a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop protocols aimed at safeguarding doctors and other healthcare workers.
Nationwide Protests
The alleged rape and murder, which took place in a seminar hall within the hospital, have ignited protests across the country, with healthcare professionals and the public demanding swift justice and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which officially began its probe on August 14. The CBI’s findings so far have raised serious concerns about the initial handling of the case by the local authorities, prompting further scrutiny and demands for transparency.
The Supreme Court continues to oversee the case, with the next hearing expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the crime and the actions taken by various agencies involved in the investigation.