Calcutta HC orders fresh CBI SIT probe into RG Kar rape case 'cover-up' claims
RG Kar rape-murder case: The Calcutta High Court has ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the Joint Director of the CBI (East) to probe RG Kar rape-murder case 'cover-up' claims.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsRG Kar rape-murder case: In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has ordered a fresh probe into an alleged cover-up in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, directing the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the Joint Director of the CBI (East).
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The high court has directed the CBI Special Investigation Team (SIT) to re-investigate the sequence of events starting from the time the victim ate dinner on the night of the incident until the cremation took place the following day.
This comes after the family of the victim raised allegations of destruction of evidence in connection with the RG Kar rape-murder case. The CBI has been authorised to interrogate anyone it deems necessary in connection with the case and has been directed to submit its report before the next hearing, which is scheduled for June 25.
The RG Kar rape and murder incident involved the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate student of RG Kar Hospital, who was found dead inside the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9, 2024, in an incident that shook the entire nation.
The 2024 rape and murder case highlighted the vulnerability of women in public institutions and the erosion of trust in state mechanisms meant to protect them. The brutality of the crime, committed within the premises of a leading medical college, underscored the collapse of basic safety protocols in spaces that should have been secure.
Following the incident, medical students, staff, and faculty members of RG Kar Hospital, along with a large number of citizens, conducted large-scale protests over the issue, demanding justice for the victim and punishment for the accused.
However, questions were raised about the initial police action being inadequate and slow. Subsequently, the High Court sought a CBI probe. Additionally, the West Bengal government, led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was accused by opposition parties of shielding officials and delaying accountability.
Details later emerged of lapses in hospital administration, alleged cover-ups, and failures in policing, which led to public outrage. Additionally, the RG Kar victim's family also questioned the hurried cremation and possible tampering of evidence.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari last week demanded action against three IPS officers for alleged mishandling of the RG Kar rape and murder investigation.