Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: Key Takeaways From The HC Hearing

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court addressed the harrowing case of a 2nd Year PG student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, whose rape and murder have ignited widespread outrage. The court’s session uncovered alarming details, leading to serious criticism of the state government’s handling of the case and raising significant concerns about the investigation’s integrity. Here are the key takeaways from the crucial hearing:

1. CBI Investigation Ordered: The court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case, citing slow progress in the initial probe. The decision underscores the urgency for a more thorough and transparent investigation.
2. Court’s Urgency Emphasized: Expressing concern over potential delays affecting evidence and witness testimony, the court highlighted the need for immediate action to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
3. Transfer of Case Materials: The West Bengal government has been ordered to hand over all case files and relevant records to the CBI by 10 AM on August 14, 2024.
4. Response to Protests: While acknowledging the intense protests from the medical community, the court urged doctors to resume their duties to avoid further impact on patients, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
5. Initial Misreporting Allegations: The court questioned the government’s handling of the case, including claims that the police initially reported the death as a suicide, misleading the victim’s parents and delaying their access to her body.
6. Judicial Criticism: Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya criticized the administrative handling, emphasizing that any misinformation to the victim’s family reflects a serious lapse in duty and sensitivity.
7. Delay in Body Identification: Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the deceased’s family, raised concerns about a three-hour delay in showing the body to the parents, which he argued compromised the investigation.
8. Principal’s Controversial Reappointment: Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who resigned as principal citing moral responsibility, was swiftly reappointed at Calcutta National Medical College. The court deemed this move inappropriate and indicative of possible administrative bias.
9. Order for Principal’s Leave: The court has mandated that Dr. Ghosh be placed on extended leave, expressing dissatisfaction with his continued involvement in administrative roles amidst the ongoing investigation.
10. State’s Investigation Response and Criticism: The state defended its investigation, arguing that the case was initially classified as an unnatural death due to the absence of a formal complaint. The court rebuked this stance, criticizing the state for its inadequate response and questioning the initial classification of the case.

The court has scheduled further hearings to ensure a comprehensive review and to address the petitioners’ request for a CBI investigation, reflecting its commitment to securing justice in this deeply troubling case.