Supreme Court Directs CBI to Submit New Report in Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

NEW DELHI:
The Supreme Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday to submit a fresh status report by next week in the suo motu petition on the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that the West Bengal Government’s status report indicates 23 deaths due to doctors’ inactivity. Meanwhile, the CBI has already filed its status report. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud queried the distance between the Principal’s residence and the hospital, to which Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded it is 15-20 minutes away.

The court sought explanations on the timing of the death report registration. Sibal noted the death certificate was issued at 1:47 PM, but the police entry came at 2:55 PM. He also detailed the search and seizure operations from 8:30 PM to 10:45 PM. Mehta confirmed four CCTV clips, totaling 27 minutes, had been handed to the CBI, which intends to send samples to AIIMS for further examination.

Concerns about security at RG Kar Medical College were raised by SG, prompting the Supreme Court to command that senior state and CISF officers ensure CISF companies nearby get housing. Security gadgets were ordered to be provided by 9 PM. Last month, the Supreme Court criticized delays in filing the FIR and protecting medical staff during a mob attack. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud spotlighted gaps in handling the case, addressing delays in FIR registration and the safety of women workers.