Supreme Court Discredit ‘151 mg Semen’ Claim in Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

In a pivotal hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India addressed the widespread misinformation surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud firmly debunked claims circulating on social media and in some reports, which suggested that 151 mg of semen had been found in the victim’s body.

The three-member bench, led by Justice Chandrachud, was handling the suo motu case linked to the tragic incident that occurred on August 9. During the proceedings, a lawyer referenced the post-mortem report, stating, “Lordships, it is said that the PMR (post mortem report) mentions 151 mg of semen, but it is in ML.”

To this, CJI Chandrachud responded sharply, “Don’t confuse this. Don’t use social media to make arguments in the court. We have the post mortem report right here. We understand what the 151 refers to. Let’s not rely on media speculation for legal arguments.”

Earlier, social media and certain media outlets had propagated the incorrect claim that 151 mg of semen was found in the victim’s body, fueling public confusion and outrage.

Kolkata Police Refutes Misleading Claims

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal had previously urged the public to dismiss the baseless rumors and narratives about the case, emphasizing the importance of trusting the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Goyal categorically denied that the police had informed the victim’s family of a suicide or that 150 mg of semen was found in her body.

“Why is this rumor-mongering continuing? It is entirely false that we informed the victim’s family she had committed suicide. It is also false that 150 mg of semen was found in her body,” Goyal stated, stressing the need to rely on verified information.

Supreme Court Expresses Concerns Over Police Actions

The Supreme Court also expressed deep concern over the delay in the Kolkata Police’s handling of the case. The bench found it “extremely disturbing” that the post-mortem of the deceased was conducted between 6:10 pm and 7:10 pm on August 9, yet the information about her unnatural death was not reported to the Tala police station until 11:30 pm the same night.

“How is it that the post-mortem was conducted at 6:10 pm on August 9, but the unnatural death information was sent to the police station at 11:30 pm? This is extremely troubling,” remarked the bench, which also included Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The Court directed the Kolkata Police officer responsible for registering the initial report to appear at the next hearing and clarify the timing of the entry.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, added to the gravity of the situation by highlighting the significant delays in filing the FIR. “The most shocking fact is that the FIR was registered at 11:45 pm, after the victim had been cremated,” Mehta told the court. He further pointed out the inconsistencies in the state police’s communication with the victim’s family, first suggesting suicide and then murder, leading to suspicions of a cover-up by the victim’s friend, who insisted on videography during the investigation.

Supreme Court Urges Doctors to Resume Work

Amid ongoing protests by doctors nationwide, the Supreme Court also appealed to the protesting medical professionals to return to work, assuring them that no punitive actions would be taken upon their rejoining. The Court’s focus remains on ensuring justice and accountability in the case that has shocked the entire nation.

News by Hindi Patrika