Calcutta High Court Directs CBI to Re-Interrogate Convict in RG Kar Case
In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has observed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can re-interrogate Sanjay Roy, the convict in the RG Kar rape-and-murder case. This decision comes after the victim's parents filed a case highlighting discrepancies in the probe, which classified the incident as rape rather than gang rape.
Court Proceedings and Key Observations
A division bench comprising Justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Rai Chattopadhyay heard the RG Kar case, which was reassigned to them after Justice Debangsu Basak recused himself. The victim's parents raised multiple issues in a supplementary affidavit, including an audio clipping that their lawyer, senior advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, claims contains evidence under the 'last seen together theory'. They argued that the CBI neglected this audio and forensic evidence, which they believe proves gang rape.
Justice Mantha remarked, "Sanjay Roy seems to know a lot," and noted that the CBI could re-interrogate him using modern methods and technology. The bench directed that all evidence submitted by the parents be provided to the CBI for further investigation, with a report due before the court. The next hearing is scheduled for May 12.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the body of a young doctor was discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Initially investigated by Kolkata Police, which led to Roy's arrest, the case was later transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court. The court also instructed the agency to examine allegations of financial irregularities linked to the case.
The CBI filed a charge sheet naming Roy as the sole accused, and he was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the trial court. However, nearly a year ago, the agency informed the court that it was probing potential cover-up attempts, leading to a Sealdah court order for further investigation into a larger conspiracy. The victim's parents have consistently questioned the CBI's probe, citing a lack of significant developments.
Additional Court Directives
On the parents' plea to revisit the crime scene, the bench observed that if the CBI, which now handles the case, has no objections, the state should not oppose it, especially since the state is not a party in the case. The judges also referenced the death of an IIT-Kharagpur student, where forensic evidence later revealed murder, emphasizing that "there is also room for thorough forensic examination in this case."
This ruling underscores the court's commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and transparent investigation, addressing the concerns raised by the victim's family and potentially uncovering new evidence in this high-profile case.
