"Absolute failure of state machinery...": Calcutta High Court Demands Photographic Evidence in Kolkata RG Kar Rape and Murder Case

The Calcutta High Court on Friday demanded photographic evidence from the State to show the current condition of a seminar room at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This room is where the dismembered body of a junior doctor was discovered. The doctor’s parents allege that the room was vandalized during protests late Wednesday and early Thursday.

A Bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya has asked the State to address claims that renovation work was conducted to "wipe out" evidence from the crime scene. The court criticized the State Government for what it described as an "absolute failure of state machinery." "You pass Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for any reason, but when so much commotion is going on, you should have cordoned off the entire area. This is an absolute failure of state machinery," noted the Calcutta High Court. This scrutiny follows allegations from the doctor’s parents about serious lapses by the hospital administration and police.

The parents' counsel expressed concern over demolition and renovation work near the crime scene. Hospital authorities have asserted that this work was pre-planned and unrelated to the crime. State counsel strongly refuted these claims, stating, “All these allegations that PO (place of occurrence) has been demolished, destroyed, nothing is correct. The demolition work that happened was not near the PO.”

Chief Justice Sivagnanam questioned the urgency of the renovations. He remarked, “What was the urgency? ...You go to any district court complex, and see if ladies have any restrooms! I say this with responsibility. What has the PWD done? ... We'll shift patients to other hospital, close the (RG Kar) hospital. That will be the best. All the stories - 'within 12 hours rest room has to be provided' - see the condition of the restrooms in the court complexes!”

Despite repeated assurances from the State that "the crime scene is secure," the court has requested further evidence. “We take your word; let this be on record. Let an affidavit be filed, and you can substantiate with photographs. We will hear with an open mind,” stated Chief Justice Sivagnanam. The Bench has ordered the State to submit a reply on various aspects of the case by August 20, with the Court scheduled to hear the matter next on August 21.

The case, which involves the rape and murder of a PGT doctor found dead in the seminar hall on August 9, has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.​