Justice – Fresh Probe Underway In RG Kar Case As Adhikari Calls For Evidence-Based Action
Justice – The investigation into the RG Kar rape and murder case is continuing under court supervision, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari saying that justice must be delivered and that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will rely on documentary evidence as it proceeds.
Fresh investigation under court supervision
Speaking about the case on Sunday, Adhikari said the investigation team handling the matter had been changed and that a fresh probe was now underway under the supervision of the court. He alleged that efforts had earlier been made to conceal aspects of the incident instead of carrying out a proper investigation.
According to Adhikari, the CBI will continue its work on the basis of available documentary evidence. He also referred to administrative measures taken by the state government, including the suspension of IPS officers and the cancellation of licences of doctors allegedly linked to the matter.
He further said the government had granted the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) to facilitate the filing of chargesheets in corruption-related cases.
State to act on matters outside CBI probe
Adhikari said the state government and the health department would continue taking action on issues that fall outside the CBI’s investigative mandate. He indicated that separate steps would be taken to address allegations and matters connected with the broader circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also said the health department would act against what he described as a racket linked to the tragic death of the doctor. Referring to efforts to preserve the memory of the victim, Adhikari said the ‘Abhaya Trust’ had been inaugurated a few days earlier and that work would continue under the leadership of Ratna Didi.
Police asked to examine other allegations
Adhikari said he had directed the police to investigate matters that do not come under the CBI’s jurisdiction. Among these, he specifically mentioned allegations surrounding a cremation-related scam.
He also called for action against individuals captured in CCTV footage on the day of the incident. The remarks indicate that the state intends to pursue separate aspects of the case and related allegations even as the central agency continues its investigation.
Case triggered nationwide protests
The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case dates back to August 9, 2024, when the body of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was discovered inside a seminar room on the hospital premises.
The incident led to widespread protests across the country. Doctors, medical students and civil society groups took part in demonstrations, demanding a transparent investigation and stronger measures to protect healthcare professionals.
Court raises concerns over earlier investigation
The case has also been subject to judicial scrutiny. According to the source, the Calcutta High Court on May 21 directed the creation of a fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT) after expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier investigation.
The court also examined the performance of the previous team. Earlier, a Sealdah court had observed that sufficient progress had not been made in the investigation.
With the fresh probe now proceeding under court supervision, the focus remains on documentary evidence, accountability and action on issues falling within the respective jurisdictions of the CBI, state government and police.