Calcutta High Court slams SIT for lack of progress in RG Kar rape-murder case

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the case of the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in 2024.

A division bench comprising Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Tirthankar Ghosh noted that the investigation had not reached its logical conclusion despite earlier directions from the court.

“In terms of our earlier order, some interrogations have been done but those, according to us, are not sufficient. The investigation that we had directed to be conducted by the SIT, upon relieving the earlier Investigating Officer, should have been taken to its logical conclusion … We are not satisfied with the report filed before us,” the bench observed.

The court further said, “The investigation has been continuing from October 2024 and we expect that a final shape to the investigation should be granted forthwith. To that effect, all the materials collected shall be submitted before this court on the next date in a sealed cover.” The matter will next be heard on August 6.

During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), represented by Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Majumdar, informed the court that the victim’s parents had been questioned regarding their grievances. “We have already questioned them about their grievances. We have addressed their grievances,” he said.

Justice Sarkar, however, remarked, “CBI is unable to find out what actually happened. There are other aspects. There was tampering of material evidence, no forensics was done; who are the persons responsible for such action?”

Justice Ghosh added, “One year and seven months have passed. What is the outcome of this investigation?”

The CBI submitted that the scene of occurrence had been revisited, people were interviewed, and the investigation had been re-examined by the SIT. The bench, however, noted that the court had specifically directed the SIT to revisit three issues. “Destruction of evidence and shielding of offenders is evident from all your reports but nothing has been done by SIT. We wanted it to be done in a manner which is just. What are the grievances of the mother? Has it been taken into account by the SIT?” the bench asked.

The CBI counsel maintained that everything was revisited as per the last court order, but no new inquiry was conducted. Expressing displeasure, the bench observed, “If this is the understanding of the Calcutta High Court’s order, then we are very sorry. What does revisit mean? It seems the CBI is reluctant. On destruction of evidence, the same report was filed before the single bench. There is no progress. This report merely puts a seal on the previous report of the CBI. One month has been wasted. What was the point of constituting a Special Investigation Team?”

The CBI submitted that since the investigation was done by the same department, it could not re-investigate without a transfer order. “People were interviewed before. Every angle was looked at,” the counsel submitted. To this, the bench responded, “Only interview? Where has the interrogation led to? The idea is to give justice. One part is done, what about the other parts? The crime scene was destroyed, people were roaming around there while the body was lying there. What have you done? When are you going to conclude this?”

Senior advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, appearing for the victim’s parents, submitted, “Multiple persons were involved. Even the mother has taken names. What type of investigation is being done? We are trying to assist them, but they are not ready.” The court has directed the SIT to submit all collected materials in a sealed cover on the next hearing date.