Kolkata rape-murder: SC asks CBI to submit fresh status report
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a fresh status report in the Kolkata rape-murder case next Tuesday (September 17). The directive came after Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, raised questions about who collected forensic samples in this case. Mehta also informed the court that additional samples would be sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further examination.
CBI flags concerns over forensic report
"We have a forensic examination report and one thing is admitted that when the girl was found at 9:30am her jeans and undergarments were removed and lying nearby," Mehta said. "Semi-nude and injury marks also on body...they have taken samples. They have sent to CFSL in West Bengal. CBI has taken a decision to send the sample to AIIMS and some other lab," Mehta added.
Supreme Court seeks clarification on case details
The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, sought clarification on two points. They inquired about the specific time when UD number 861 (unnatural death) was assigned and when the search and seizure were carried out. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government responded that these actions took place between 8:30pm and 10:45pm after the body was removed for post-mortem.
'CCTV footage taken to reconstruct scene...'
The CJI then pointed out, "There is CCTV footage showing the time of entry and exit from the seminar room. There is footage after 4:30 AM and throughout the day. Has that footage been provided to the CBI?" SG Mehta confirmed, "Yes, we have taken it and had to reconstruct the scene."
Month into CBI's investigation only one arrest made
Junior doctors have been on strike seeking justice for a trainee doctor allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the CBI. Nearly a month into the CBI's investigation—only one arrest has been made, that of Sanjay Roy. A CBI official informed news agency PTI that missing evidence from the crime scene has hindered the investigation, making it difficult to connect key elements of the case.
Court addresses concerns over state cooperation
Separately, the court also addressed an application filed by the Centre accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of failing to cooperate with the Central Industrial Security Force. The CISF was deployed for security purposes at RG Kar Hospital, and the application alleges that the state's non-cooperation with the force is indicative of systemic issues. The court directed a senior officer from West Bengal's Home Department and a senior CISF officer to ensure proper accommodation for all three CISF companies.
