CBI veterans of Hathras, Unnao cases to investigate Kolkata rape-murder
What's the story
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assigned two seasoned women officers to lead the investigation into the recent Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case. The overall supervision of the case has been entrusted to Sampat Meena, a 1994 batch Indian Police Services officer from Jharkhand. She is known for her significant role in handling high-profile cases such as the Hathras and Unnao rape cases.
Team formation
Meena to lead team of 25 officers
Meena, currently serving as an additional director in the CBI, will oversee a team of 25 officers dedicated to this case. The on-ground investigation will be conducted by Seema Pahuja, an additional superintendent of police. Pahuja has previously worked with Meena on the Hathras case and is a two-time recipient of the Gold Medal for excellent investigation between 2007 and 2018.
Track record
Pahuja's past achievements in high-profile cases
Pahuja is credited with securing a conviction in the 2017 Gudiya case, a previously unsolved rape and murder of a Class 10 student in Himachal Pradesh. The CBI used advanced DNA technology for percentage and lineage matching to crack this case. After interrogating over 1,000 locals and testing the DNA of over 250 people, they found a match leading to the perpetrator who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2021.
Conviction success
Meena's role in securing conviction in Unnao rape case
To recall, in the 2017 Unnao rape case, Meena played a crucial role in securing a conviction against Bharatiya Janata Party leader and local MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment for the gangrape of a minor Dalit girl and found guilty of causing her father's death in judicial custody. This high-profile case further highlighted Meena's investigative skills and dedication to justice.
Public outcry
Nationwide protests over Kolkata doctor's rape-murder
The Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case has sparked nationwide protests, with demands for improved security at medical institutions. Medical associations have called on the government to implement protective laws and policies for healthcare workers. The Supreme Court has also taken note of this case involving a trainee doctor from RG Kar Hospital. Meanwhile, the CBI is set to conduct psychological tests on the prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, who is already in their custody.