The tragic incident involving a trainee doctor in Kolkata has stirred national outrage and raised serious concerns about the investigative capabilities of local law enforcement. Following the horrific rape and murder case, the Supreme Court intervened, criticizing the Kolkata police for their slow response and inadequate handling of the case.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred at the RG Kar Medical College, where the lifeless body of a trainee doctor was discovered under distressing circumstances. The Supreme Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, took cognizance of the case and expressed extreme dissatisfaction regarding the police’s failure to report the unnatural death promptly.
Supreme Court’s Observations
During the proceedings, the court questioned the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) and demanded explanations for the long intervals between critical events. The court noted that the post-mortem examination, conducted on August 9, was reported to the local police station only later that night, raising serious doubts about the integrity of the investigation.
Police Response and Investigation Details
Following the court’s sharp critique, the Kolkata police provided a detailed timeline of their actions in response to the incident. According to their account, the police received a notification from the hospital on August 9, after which they arrived at the scene to find the victim’s body in a partially naked state. A detailed examination revealed visible injuries, including trauma to the victim’s private areas, leading to an unnatural death case being opened under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:45 AM | Notification received from the Associate Professor about the victim’s body. |
| 11:45 PM | Formal FIR lodged based on the father’s complaint about rape and murder. |
| 3:00 PM | Request for a forensic examination was made. |
| 5:10 PM | Body taken to the mortuary for post-mortem after evidence gathering. |
| 10:00 AM (Next Day) | Formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT) and arrest of the main suspect. |
Arrest and Further Investigation
By August 10, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to expedite the inquiry. The main suspect, identified as Sanjay Roy, was arrested after lengthy interrogation. Evidence collected included mobile phone data, forensic samples, and CCTV footage from the hospital premises. This comprehensive approach aimed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
Community Response and Judicial Oversight
The case has ignited widespread protests and calls for justice, highlighting the necessity of ensuring safety for medical personnel, particularly in educational institutions. The Supreme Court has mandated strict oversight of the investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency within the police force.
Conclusion
This incident not only underscores the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals but also the systemic issues within the law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting them. As the case moves forward under the jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the focus remains on securing justice for the victim and restoring public faith in the judicial process.
