A court in Kolkata pulled up the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after its investigating officer and lawyer failed to turn up at the court on time, causing a delay in the bail hearing of Sanjay Roy slated for September 6.
Roy is the primary suspect in the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Additional Chief judicial Magistrate Pamela Gupta expressed frustration after the CBI’s investigating officer and public prosecutor Dipak Poria failed to appear on time, leading to a delay in the hearing. Gupta questioned whether the accused should be granted bail due to the CBI’s tardiness, asking, “Where are the PP and IO? Should I grant bail?”.
She further remarked, “This shows a very lethargic approach by the CBI. It’s highly unfortunate”.
CBI lawyer Poria, reportedly, arrived 50 minutes late and briefly opposed Roy’s bail, claiming that his release could impede the investigation.
Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was arrested on August 10 and has been held in judicial custody until September 20.
During the hearing, Roy’s defense lawyer, Kavita Sarkar, argued for bail, noting that the CBI had not presented sufficient evidence against him.
The court highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for more prompt action from the CBI.
The court rejected Roy’s bail plea and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody, which will last until September 20 under CBI supervision.
Reacting to the court’s handling of the case, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale alleged that the CBI was making efforts to get Roy released on bail. He claimed that an active effort was being made by the CBI, Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Modi government to politically influence and undermine the case. Gokhale questioned the CBI’s actions and criticised the absence of its representatives in court.
Taking to microblogging site X, Gokhale alleged, “CBI wants to get the rape and murder accused monster RELEASED on bail. An active effort is being made by CBI, BJP, and the Modi Govt to run a political agenda and BURY this case. How can the CBI allow this monster to get bail? What is the sinister agenda that is being played out? Why was the CBI ABSENT in court today?”
The case has triggered nationwide outrage and protests following the tragic death of the trainee doctor on August 9. The Supreme Court is set to resume its examination of the case on September 9.
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