Calcutta High Court Orders CBI Probe into RG Kar Medical College Rape-Murder Case

the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court ordered the immediate handover of all relevant documents to the CBI.

A division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam was responding to a plea filed by the victim’s parents, who sought a court-monitored investigation. Several other petitions also advocated for a CBI probe.

Court Cites Investigation Lapses

The High Court underscored the shortcomings in the current investigation, noting that little progress had been made even five days after the incident. The bench expressed concern that allowing the investigation to continue in its current manner could derail the case.

“Under normal circumstances, we would have requested a report. However, this case is exceptional, and the facts necessitate immediate and appropriate orders. Given the lack of significant progress, we are justified in accepting the victim’s parents’ request to prevent the destruction of evidence,” the bench stated.

Nationwide Protests by Resident Doctors

The case has sparked widespread outrage and demands for a CBI investigation. Resident doctors across various states have gone on an indefinite strike, protesting the rape and murder. The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) called for the nationwide strike following the incident.

The semi-naked body of the 32-year-old trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital in Kolkata on Thursday night. Doctors, under the banner of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at PGIMER, held a protest march demanding justice for the victim.

Demand for CBI Probe

Dr. Praneeth Reddy, joint secretary of the ARD at PGIMER, described the incident as a heinous crime and called for a CBI probe. “Our demand is a CBI investigation into the matter,” Reddy stated, emphasizing the need for strict punishment for the culprit.

The High Court’s order for a CBI investigation aims to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into the case, addressing the concerns raised by the victim’s family and the medical community.

News by Hindi Patrika