7-member CBI team visits RG Kar hospital:Calcutta HC Court ordered fresh investigation into alleged evidence tampering

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers on Monday visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata as part of a fresh probe into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor that shook the nation in August 2024. According to officials, the seven-member team, which includes an officer of Joint Director rank, is conducting a re-examination of the case following directions from the Calcutta High Court. CBI team reaches RG Kar hospital The officers are expected to meet the hospital’s principal, medical superintendent, vice-principal and other officials. They are also likely to inspect the crime scene inside the hospital where the trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered on the night of August 9, 2024. Officials to inspect crime scene The brutal crime triggered nationwide protests by doctors, healthcare workers and citizens, while allegations surfaced that evidence had been destroyed and attempts were made to downplay the incident in its immediate aftermath. Last month, the Calcutta High Court ordered a fresh investigation into allegations of destruction of evidence and concerns raised by the victim’s family regarding the handling of the case. Investigators seek answers to questions The CBI has been tasked with re-investigating the sequence of events from the time the doctor had dinner on the night of the crime until her cremation the following evening. The agency has been given the authority to question any individual deemed necessary for the investigation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will also examine the specific allegations made by the victim’s family. The High Court has directed investigators to submit a report before the next hearing scheduled for June 25. Health minister meets survivor’s parents Meanwhile, newly appointed West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee recently said the state government has reopened files related to the RG Kar case. Last week, he held a nearly 90-minute meeting with the victim’s parents to discuss their concerns over the investigation and the alleged lapses in the handling of the case.