Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Parents Demand Justice in High Court Amid Allegations of Compromised Investigation

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh of the single-judge bench noted that the case is currently under the Supreme Court's review, and further hearings will depend on whether the apex court is overseeing the investigation.

Kolkata has been gripped by a tragic incident involving the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, who was on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In light of this horrific event, the bereaved parents of the victim have taken their grievances to the Calcutta High Court, expressing concerns regarding the investigation led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and appealing for judicial intervention in this case that has captured the attention of the entire nation.

The single-judge bench, presided over by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that the matter is already before the Supreme Court. As a result, the bench can only take further action once it is ascertained whether the highest court is overseeing the ongoing investigation. A subsequent hearing is anticipated around January 15, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for the victim's family.

In their formal petition submitted to the high court, the victim’s parents conveyed their profound dissatisfaction and distress regarding the CBI's handling of the case. They pointed out significant oversights, particularly the omission of key witnesses who were present with their daughter on the fateful night. These witnesses, they argue, have not been included in the investigative process, nor have they been properly questioned about the events leading up to the tragedy. The parents expressed concern that the ongoing proceedings appear to be focused solely on implicating one individual, Sanjay Roy, thereby neglecting other potential suspects involved in the crime. They emphasized that the post-mortem report suggests that Roy cannot be the only perpetrator.

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was apprehended by the Kolkata Police and has since been charged with the doctor’s rape and murder. Following the court's directive, the investigation was subsequently transferred to the CBI, which has assumed custody of Roy to further pursue the case.

The petitioners highlighted the CBI’s failure to file a supplementary chargesheet that would encompass the names of key individuals, including Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, and Abhijeet Mondal, the officer in charge of the local police station. Interestingly, both Ghosh and Mondal were granted bail on December 13 due to the CBI's inability to submit a chargesheet within the stipulated 90 days. While Mondal has been released, Ghosh remains incarcerated on separate allegations of financial misconduct.

Despite the trial court’s efforts to expedite proceedings, based on instructions from the Supreme Court, the victim’s parents contend that the investigation has been compromised. They fear that without a thorough and impartial inquiry, the case cannot reach a just conclusion, leaving other suspects unprosecuted and risking a miscarriage of justice. They argue that once the trial wraps up, they will have no recourse, thus compromising their pursuit of justice.

The heartbreaking case of the young doctor, who was in the midst of her postgraduate training, drew national attention when her lifeless body was discovered in a seminar room at the hospital on the morning of August 9. This shocking incident has ignited a widespread dialogue regarding the safety of women in professional environments, particularly highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals while they perform their duties.