The Calcutta High Court on Friday pressed the West Bengal government to prove that the crime scene in the RG Kar Medical College Hospital, where a 31-year-old doctor was allegedly raped and murdered, remains untouched. The court urged the State to file an affidavit backed by photographs to demonstrate that no evidence has been tampered with.
Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, leading the bench along with Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, questioned the urgency of renovation work near the crime scene. The State counsel insisted that the work was unrelated to the area where the crime took place, explaining it was for a doctor’s restroom.
The court, however, challenged the timing of this renovation, pointing out widespread neglect in maintaining such facilities in other locations. The bench remarked, “What was the urgency? If you visit any district court, you’ll see the poor condition of restrooms. Why the sudden rush to renovate this one?”
Despite the State’s assurance that the crime scene remains secure, the court directed it to file an affidavit with photographic evidence. “We take your word, but let it be on record,” Chief Justice Sivagnanam stated.
The bench expressed concern over the State’s apparent lack of empathy and highlighted the need for sensitivity in handling such matters. The court has ordered the State to submit detailed replies by August 20, with the next hearing set for August 21.
The High Court has already transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which now has full authority to inspect the hospital premises and continue its probe. The court also urged the media to respect the victim’s privacy by refraining from circulating images or identifying information.
The case has sparked widespread protests, with vandalism erupting near the hospital on the eve of Independence Day. The court criticized the State for failing to prevent the violence, questioning why law enforcement did not take preemptive measures despite clear indications of rising tensions.
“The gathering of 7,000 people could not have gone unnoticed. It is hard to believe that the police had no intelligence on this. This situation reflects a failure of state machinery,” Chief Justice Sivagnanam remarked.
The court emphasized that ensuring the safety and integrity of the crime scene is crucial as investigations proceed.
