In a significant development in the investigation of the rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in 2024, the Calcutta High Court has directed that the probe be carried forward under the leadership of the Joint Director (Eastern Zone) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to expedite and strengthen the inquiry.
Issuing a series of stringent directives, the High Court emphasised the need for a meticulous reconstruction of the incident’s timeline. CBI has been instructed to conduct a fresh and detailed examination of the sequence of incidents — from the moment the victim dined with colleagues on the night of the incident to the completion of her funeral rites. The court stressed that every link in this chain must be scrutinised to determine who was present, what transpired, and whether any critical gaps remain in the narrative.
Granting the CBI full autonomy, the Court underscored that investigators are free to pursue all necessary angles to uncover the truth and probe the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
However, the hearing also witnessed sharp criticism of the pace of the investigation. Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the Bench questioned the agency’s progress since submitting its 24-page preliminary charge sheet on October 7 last year. The Court pointedly asked what substantive steps had been taken over the past one year and seven months.
Responding to the Court’s concerns, CBI counsel maintained that the investigation remains active. They informed the Bench that statements from approximately 70 to 80 individuals connected directly or indirectly to the case have been recorded, and relevant evidence has been collected.
The case has also seen recent judicial reshuffling. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha recused himself, citing personal reasons, following which the matter was reassigned on the directive of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. A new Division Bench has since been constituted, and proceedings are currently being heard by Justices Shampa Sarkar and Tirthankar Ghosh.
With the High Court now tightening its oversight and demanding greater accountability, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the direction and credibility of the investigation.
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