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Calcutta HC Seeks Clarification from CBI on Suspected ‘Gang-Rape’ Angle in RG Kar Case
The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the CBI to clarify whether its investigation into last year’s RG Kar Medical College case considered the possibility of gang-rape. The case led to the conviction of civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, who was found guilty of raping and murdering a woman inside the hospital premises and sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in January. However, the victim’s parents alleged that more people were involved and had approached the Supreme Court, demanding further investigation.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh questioned whether the CBI’s probe extended beyond the murder and vandalism angle to include the possibility of gang-rape. The court asked, “Did the investigation explore the gang-rape angle? If so, who were the suspects?” He also inquired if the CBI’s probe looked into the alleged destruction of evidence and directed the agency to submit the case diary on Friday.
During the hearing, the court noted discrepancies in the investigation and highlighted concerns about whether all aspects of the case were thoroughly examined. The CBI had earlier arrested former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and ex-Tala OC Abhijit Mandal for conspiracy and destruction of evidence. Both were granted bail, but Ghosh remains in custody for a corruption case.
The CBI has submitted the chargesheet in the case in October last year, clearly mentioning that the act of crime was committed by Sanjay Roy alone. The CBI had relied on the scientific evidences, corroborated and ratified by the ‘multi institutional medical board’ comprising of doctors from AIIMS New Delhi and other hospitals that do not come under the state government of Mamata Banerjee. The medical report, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) report- both have confirmed rape and not a gang-rape. But in the chargesheet the CBI had left the scope open for further investigation, keeping a room for supplementary chargesheet. The court had allowed the central agency to continue with the probe.
The victim’s parents reiterated their doubts before Calcutta High Court on Monday, with one of them stating, “Why is the CBI so slow? It has been on this matter for nearly a year.” They urged the court to ensure a comprehensive investigation, expressing concerns over delays in examining critical evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for Friday when the CBI is expected to provide further clarification on the matter.
