'CBI not sleeping, needs time...': SC in Kolkata rape-murder case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday resumed hearing the case related to the rape and murder of a trainee postgraduate doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, reviewed the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) status report. They emphasized that the CBI should not be hurried into filing a chargesheet due to the sensitive nature of this case.
CBI given time to conduct thorough investigation
The bench stated that the CBI has responded to its queries, including about a missing challan from the previous hearing. The agency is currently investigating whether the crime scene was compromised and if evidence was tampered with. "We have to give CBI adequate time, they are not sleeping. They are required to be given time to unearth the truth," said Chief Justice Chandrachud.
Court addresses victim's family concerns and media ethics
The Supreme Court has also acknowledged suggestions made by the victim's father, stating that the CBI could consider them. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, assured that updates will be shared with the victim's family periodically as they have a right to know. The court also addressed concerns about photographs of the rape-murder victim being circulated on social media, stating that this is not permitted by law and directed Wikipedia to remove information about her identity.
Protests lead to significant resignations in Kolkata
The court hearing follows significant developments in Kolkata, where junior doctors have been protesting against the rape-murder incident and alleged financial irregularities in West Bengal health services. Following a meeting with these doctors, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that most of their demands were agreed upon. This included the resignation of Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal and removal of Deputy Commissioner of Police, North, Abhishek Gupta.
Doctors continue strike despite court's directive
Despite the Supreme Court's directive to resume work by 5:00pm on September 10, resident doctors have continued their strike. The state government had claimed that their absence from work led to the death of 23 patients until September 9. However, junior doctors in Kolkata refused to return to duty and continued their agitation. They stated they would rejoin duty only when the government acts on its assurances.
