The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata as part of its renewed investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a trainee doctor, a case that sparked nationwide outrage and demands for justice.
CBI Officials Meet Hospital Authorities, Inspect Crime Scene
According to officials, a six-member CBI team arrived at the state-run hospital and was scheduled to meet key authorities, including the principal, medical superintendent, vice principal, and other senior officials. The investigators are also expected to revisit the hospital premises where the crime allegedly took place to reconstruct the sequence of events.
High Court Orders Fresh Investigation Into Alleged Evidence Tampering
The development follows directions from the Calcutta High Court, which last month ordered a fresh probe into allegations of evidence destruction and attempts to suppress details surrounding the incident. The court directed the CBI to conduct a comprehensive re-investigation into the events that unfolded from the time the trainee doctor had dinner on the night of August 9, 2024, until her cremation the following evening.
The court has empowered the agency to question any individual deemed relevant to the investigation.
SIT to Examine Allegations Raised by Victim’s Family
In addition to the CBI probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate specific allegations made by the victim’s family regarding the handling of the case and alleged lapses during the initial investigation.
The Calcutta High Court has instructed the SIT to submit its findings before the next hearing scheduled for June 25.
Case Triggered Nationwide Protests
The brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor inside the hospital premises on August 9, 2024, triggered widespread protests across the country. Medical professionals, healthcare workers, and civil society groups demanded stricter safety measures for doctors and transparent accountability in the investigation.
The case became a focal point of discussions on workplace safety for healthcare professionals and alleged institutional failures in responding to crimes against medical personnel.
Bengal Government Reopens Files Related to RG Kar Case
Meanwhile, newly appointed West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee recently confirmed that the state government has reopened files related to the RG Kar case. He also held a meeting lasting nearly 90 minutes with the victim’s parents to understand their concerns regarding the investigation and the alleged shortcomings in the handling of the case.
Convict Serving Life Sentence
Earlier, on January 20, 2025, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the rape and murder case. However, the ongoing investigations are focused on examining allegations of evidence destruction, procedural lapses, and other unanswered questions raised by the victim’s family.
Fresh Probe Expected to Shed Light on Alleged Cover-Up
With the CBI revisiting the hospital and the SIT examining the family’s allegations, the latest developments are expected to bring greater clarity to unresolved aspects of one of India’s most high-profile crimes involving a healthcare professional. The findings of both investigations will be closely watched ahead of the court’s next hearing later this month.
