The Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) pace of investigation into the conspiracy angle of the RG Kar case. The court observed that the probe has been continuing since October 2024 and expects that a 'final shape to the investigation should be granted forthwith'.
Court's Observations
A division bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Gaurang Kanth noted that the CBI has had sufficient time to complete the investigation. 'The probe has been ongoing for over eight months. We are not satisfied with the progress. The agency must expedite the process and submit a final report at the earliest,' the bench remarked.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the victim's family seeking a court-monitored investigation into the conspiracy angle. The family alleged that the initial probe by the state police was flawed and that the CBI had not adequately pursued the conspiracy aspect.
Background of the Case
The RG Kar case pertains to the mysterious death of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident, which occurred in 2024, sparked widespread protests and demands for a thorough investigation. The CBI took over the case in October 2024 after the Calcutta High Court ordered a transfer of the probe from the state police.
According to the CBI's status report, the agency has examined over 50 witnesses and conducted forensic analyses. However, the conspiracy angle remains unresolved. The court noted that the CBI had not yet identified any concrete evidence of a larger conspiracy.
CBI's Response
Additional Solicitor General Ashok Chakraborty, representing the CBI, submitted that the investigation is complex and requires time. 'We are dealing with multiple leads and digital evidence. The agency is making all efforts to conclude the probe soon,' he said.
The court, however, remained unconvinced. 'We have given you enough time. The matter involves the life of a young doctor and public confidence in the judiciary. You must act swiftly,' the bench retorted.
Next Steps
The court has directed the CBI to file a final report within four weeks. It also warned that if the agency fails to comply, it may consider initiating contempt proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for July 2026.
The victim's family expressed relief at the court's intervention. 'We hope the CBI will now take the conspiracy angle seriously and bring the culprits to justice,' said the family's lawyer.
The case has been a flashpoint in West Bengal's political landscape, with the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP trading accusations over the handling of the investigation.
