Supreme Court Hearing on Kolkata Medical College Rape Case

The Supreme Court of India has resumed hearing the rape-murder case of a doctor in Kolkata. The hearing is being conducted by a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The case involves the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The Supreme Court is examining the case to ensure a fair and transparent investigation and justice for the victim.

Questions Raised About Kolkata Police's Investigation

The court expressed concerns about the procedures followed by the Kolkata Police in the case. Justice Pardiwala pointed out inconsistencies and irregularities in the investigation process, specifically questioning the timeline of events and the order in which certain actions were taken. The court raised concerns regarding the delay in registering the unnatural death case (UD case) and the fact that the post-mortem was conducted before the UD case was registered.

• The court questioned why the police registered the unnatural death case at 11:30 PM, while the post-mortem was conducted earlier in the evening.
• Justice Pardiwala also pointed out that the FIR was registered after the victim's cremation, raising concerns about the potential alteration of the crime scene.
• The court questioned the role of the Assistant Superintendent of Police, who allegedly did not take the case seriously and delayed registering the UD case.

CBI Investigation and Status Report

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the case. The CBI has filed a status report with the Supreme Court, highlighting the progress made in the investigation. The court has reviewed the status report, but its contents have not been publicly disclosed.

Doctor's Safety and Hospital Security Concerns

The case has raised concerns about the safety of doctors working in medical colleges and hospitals. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the concerns of doctors who feel threatened and intimidated. The court has asked various organizations and associations of doctors to submit their names so that the National Task Force (NTF) can talk to them and address their concerns.

Doctors' Protest and Call for Action

Doctors have been protesting against the incident and demanding justice for the victim. The protests have highlighted the need for better security measures in hospitals and the need to address the concerns of doctors regarding their safety and working conditions. The Supreme Court is also urging the resident doctors to return to work, assuring them that no disciplinary action will be taken against them.

Supreme Court Orders and Recommendations

• The Supreme Court has ordered the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal government to cooperate fully with the CBI investigation.
• The court has also directed the authorities to provide adequate security for doctors and medical staff at hospitals.
• The court has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and the importance of ensuring justice for the victim.

Timeline of Events:

• Aug 9, 2024: The victim was found unconscious and semi-naked in the medical college.
• Aug 9, 2024 (Evening): The post-mortem was conducted.
• Aug 9, 2024 (Late Night): The UD case was registered and the FIR was filed.
• Aug 10, 2024: The victim's cremation took place.
• Aug 12, 2024: The Supreme Court took cognizance of the case.
• Aug 13, 2024: The CBI was ordered to investigate the case.

Key Takeaways:

• The case highlights the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for any wrongdoing by the Kolkata Police.
• The Supreme Court is taking steps to ensure the safety of doctors and improve security in hospitals.
• The case has brought to light the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by doctors in their working environment.
• The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the safety and security of doctors and medical staff in medical colleges and hospitals across India.