The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concerns about the investigation into the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The case, which has triggered widespread protests across the country, came under scrutiny for a significant delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR).
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, during a suo motu hearing, questioned the actions of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the college’s principal, particularly regarding his transfer following the incident. The CJI raised critical questions: “Why was there a 14-hour delay in lodging the FIR? Why did the college principal not immediately file the FIR? Whom is he trying to protect?” The CJI also sought clarification on Dr. Ghosh’s sudden transfer to another institution.
These pointed inquiries by the Supreme Court highlight the demand for greater transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who was the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was transferred to Calcutta National Medical College following the heinous crime. However, in response to escalating protests by junior doctors, the state government reversed his posting on Wednesday. Additionally, three senior officials from RGKMCH were reassigned to other state-run medical institutions.
CBI’s Investigation Under Scrutiny
During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that there were attempts to tamper with the crime scene before they took over the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the court that by the time the agency began its investigation on the fifth day, the crime scene had already been altered. The FIR, he noted, was registered only after the victim’s cremation at 11:45 pm.
On the other hand, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, contested these claims. Sibal asserted that the Kolkata Police conducted their investigation with due diligence, with every step being videographed. He argued that the CBI’s report was an attempt to confuse the situation rather than clarify it.
As the case progresses, the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into this tragic incident.