23 september 2024 : New Delhi: The Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will hear a suo motu case concerning the rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on October 1. This comes amid ongoing protests by doctors in West Bengal.
During the proceedings, a counsel for one of the parties requested to postpone the hearing originally scheduled for September 27 due to urgent matters. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud agreed, stating, “We will list it for hearing next Tuesday, October 1.”
On September 17, the Supreme Court expressed its concern over findings from a status report by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the case but refrained from sharing specific details to protect the ongoing investigation. The court also requested a status update on financial irregularities linked to the jailed former principal of the medical college, Sandip Ghosh, emphasizing that the CBI is actively pursuing the case.
The court acknowledged the disturbing nature of the CBI’s report and noted the concerns raised about discrepancies in the seizure list and crime scene sketches. It urged protesting junior doctors in West Bengal to return to work and confirmed the state government’s assurance that no punitive action would be taken against them.
Additionally, the Supreme Court directed that valuable inputs from the deceased doctor’s father be considered by the investigating officer. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the CBI would maintain communication with the victim’s parents to address their concerns.
The body of the doctor, showing severe injury marks, was discovered on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested by Kolkata Police the next day, and on August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the investigation to be transferred from Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its work on August 14.
