In a significant development for the West Bengal government, the Supreme Court stated on Tuesday that it was “very disturbed” by the findings of the CBI probe regarding the evidence collection and crime scene security by Kolkata Police at RG Kar Hospital, where a doctor was tragically raped and murdered on August 9.
A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud made these remarks following accusations from the original petitioner’s counsel, who claimed that the state police employed inadequate search and seizure methods and left the crime scene unguarded, allowing crucial evidence to be compromised. CJI Chandrachud acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the CBI was also concerned about potential evidence tampering.
The Supreme Court highlighted that the CBI is investigating whether evidence was destroyed and if other individuals beyond those already arrested were involved in the crime. The bench refrained from disclosing specific investigative details, stressing that doing so could jeopardize the ongoing inquiry.
The bench reassured the victim’s parents and resident doctors advocating for justice that the investigation’s direction indicated a commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The court emphasized its intention to protect the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging the sensitive nature of the case.
Senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing senior doctors from RG Kar and other Kolkata hospitals, claimed they possessed evidence linking the crime to financial irregularities. The Supreme Court directed the solicitor general to ensure that the CBI files a status report on the investigation at the next hearing.
The bench noted that a Station House Officer (SHO) involved in the case has been arrested, and significant evidence may emerge during the ongoing investigation. The CBI has addressed previous queries regarding procedural documentation for the post-mortem, indicating progress in the case.
