CBI Submits Report on Kolkata Trainee Doctor’s Murder Case in Supreme Court; 21-Member Legal Team Represents Bengal Government

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a detailed status report on its investigation into the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Supreme Court. This submission comes ahead of a crucial hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra.

The case, which has ignited nationwide outrage and protests, was taken up suo motu by the Supreme Court on August 20. The court had earlier requested status reports from both the CBI and the Bengal government on the ongoing investigations into the murder and subsequent vandalism at the hospital.

During the previous hearing, the Supreme Court criticized the Bengal government for handling the case, particularly highlighting the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and the hospital’s failure to prevent vandalism. The court also questioned the immediate transfer of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College, to another senior position shortly after his resignation.

A 21-member legal team, including prominent lawyers Kapil Sibal and Menaka Guruswamy, represents the Bengal government. The Supreme Court has also established a ten-member National Task Force (NTF) to recommend measures for ensuring safe working conditions for healthcare professionals.

The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) and other doctors’ bodies have filed petitions seeking interim protection for doctors, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures in medical institutions.