KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court, while hearing a petition filed by the parents of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday to constitute a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 48 hours. The SIT is tasked with probing alleged lapses by the state police and hospital authorities during the initial investigation and the purported destruction of evidence.
Formation and Mandate of the SIT
The SIT will be headed by the CBI's joint director for the eastern zone. The court has instructed the team to submit a comprehensive report to the court by June 25. The bench, comprising Justices Shampa Sarkar and Tirthankar Ghosh, emphasized that the ongoing investigation should concentrate on the lapses identified by the CBI in its report dated March 28, 2025. The CBI had previously indicated shortcomings on the part of the police and hospital authorities during the investigation, prior to the case being transferred to the central agency.
Re-examination of Witnesses
The court also permitted the CBI to re-examine the victim's parents and other witnesses if deemed necessary. This move aims to ensure that no stone is left unturned in uncovering the truth behind the heinous crime.
Background of the Case
The petition, filed by the parents of the young doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024, has been pending for nearly one year and seven months. The parents allege that Sanjay Roy, the sole accused arrested in the case, may not have acted alone. They further claim that the seminar hall where the body was discovered was not the actual crime scene. Additionally, they have accused CBI investigating officer Seema Pahuja of overlooking crucial evidence.
Court's Clarification
After directing the formation of the SIT, the bench clarified that it was not making any comments on the credibility of the investigation conducted by Pahuja, who was present in court. The judges observed, "Let us trust the system. They will do it... We are not aggrieved by what she has done."
Allegations of Cover-up
During the hearing, Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, the counsel representing the victim's parents, alleged attempts to "hush up" the crime. He questioned, "Why was she murdered? She knew of several rackets, that is why she was murdered." Chatterjee also claimed that investigators failed to probe the role of the delivery worker who brought dinner for the victim hours before the crime occurred.
