CBI flags issues in Kolkata doctor rape-murder case probe
What's the story
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has raised concerns over the investigation into the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case. The agency informed the Supreme Court that it was assigned to the case on Day 5, by which time "everything was altered." Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the Supreme Court, said, "CBI entered the probe on the fifth day and everything was altered by then."
Discrepancies highlighted
CBI questions Kolkata Police's handling of crime scene
The CBI has submitted a status report to the Supreme Court, highlighting discrepancies in the Kolkata Police's handling of the case. Mehta pointed out that despite the Daily Diary entry being made at 10:10am by Kolkata Police, the crime scene was not secured until late evening. He described this delay as "disturbing" during his address to a three-judge SC bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud.
Autopsy queries
SC questions post-mortem timing in Kolkata case
The Supreme Court sought clarification from senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who is representing the West Bengal government, about the timing of the post-mortem. Sibal confirmed that it was conducted between 6:10 to 7:10pm. The court then noted that as the body had been taken for autopsy, it was a case of unnatural death and questioned when the inquest panchnama was drawn up.
Procedure violation
SC criticizes Kolkata Police for not following CrPC guidelines
The Supreme Court observed that, despite the crime occurring at night, the crime scene was secured only after over 18 hours, around 7:00pm on August 9, following the post-mortem. The court also criticized the Kolkata Police for not following the Code of Criminal Procedure guidelines for handling unnatural death cases. Additionally, the court asked Sibal to present a responsible state government officer who can provide a detailed account of events following the discovery of the body.
Ongoing demonstrations
SC expresses concern over doctors' working hours
Notably, the Supreme Court has also expressed concern about the long working hours of resident doctors, some of whom work up to 36 hours. The court said that a committee will be formed to review and streamline these duty hours. Meanwhile, protests continue over the horrific rape and murder of the trainee doctor, disrupting healthcare services. These demonstrations have sparked widespread calls for justice and enhanced safety measures in medical institutions.
Additional investigation
SIT to probe financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College
Separately, the West Bengal government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital from January 2021 onward. This comes as former principal Sandip Ghosh faces increased scrutiny. To recall, senior doctors Kunal Sarkar and Subarna Goswami were questioned by police on Monday for their social media posts about the case, accused of spreading misinformation and revealing the victim's identity.