Supreme Court Orders CBI to Submit New Report on Kolkata Doctor’s Case

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a fresh status report by next week regarding the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Key Details

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the court that the West Bengal Government had filed a status report, noting that 23 people had died when doctors were not working. The CBI has also filed a status report.

Distance and Timing

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud inquired about the distance between the residence of the Principal of RG Medical College and the hospital. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded that it is approximately 15-20 minutes away. The court sought clarification on the timing of the registration of the report of the unnatural death. Sibal reported that the death certificate was issued at 1:47 PM, but the police station entry for the unnatural death was made at 2:55 PM. The search and seizure occurred from 8:30 PM to 10:45 PM.

CCTV Footage and Forensic Analysis

The court inquired whether CCTV footage related to the incident was handed over to the CBI. Mehta confirmed that four clips totaling 27 minutes were provided. The CBI has decided to send the samples to AIIMS and other central forensic labs for further analysis.

Security Concerns

During the hearing, the Solicitor General raised concerns about security personnel at RG Kar Medical College. The Supreme Court ordered that a senior state home department officer and a senior CISF officer ensure that all three CISF companies receive accommodation nearby. Additionally, the court directed that all requisitions needed by CISF personnel be compiled today and that security gadgets be provided by 9 PM.

Previous Concerns

Last month, the Supreme Court questioned the West Bengal police over several issues related to the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court addressed concerns about delays in filing the First Information Report (FIR), handing over the body of the deceased doctor to her family, and failing to protect medical staff during a mob attack.

The court noted that the FIR was registered at 11:45 PM, more than three hours after the body was handed over to the family for cremation at 8:30 PM. The court remarked, “If women cannot go to work and be safe, we are denying them the basic right to equality. We have to do something.”

The court also criticized the hospital’s initial response, questioning why the incident was initially considered a suicide. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal confirmed it was a murder case and added information about the delay in registering the FIR. Additionally, the court learned that police officers stationed at the hospital fled during the attack, leaving medical staff vulnerable. Senior Advocate Aprajita Singh stated that many doctors have since left the hospital due to safety concerns.

The Supreme Court had then called for increased security at the hospital and urged medical professionals across India to return to work.