Kolkata rape-murder case: SC asks protesting doctors to resume work by Sept 10, CBI told to file fresh status report

NEW DELHI: During the hearing of the suo motu case related to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to file a fresh status report on the probe by by September 17. The apex court also directed a senior officer of the West Bengal government to ensure all three companies of the CISF, which are deputed for security at the RG Kar Hospital, are given accommodation.
"A status report has been filed by CBI, it appears that investigation is in progress, we direct the CBI to file fresh status report.We don't want to guide the CBI on its investigation," the bench said.

The apex court also reprimanded the West Bengal government and raised multiple concerns regarding the post-mortem report in the case. One of the advocates present during the hearing questioned the improper handling of a vaginal swab, which should have been preserved at 4 degrees Celsius but was not.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the central probing agency also noted that the post-mortem report did not mention the time it was conducted, which is a critical detail in such cases.
The court sought clarity on the registration of the report for the unnatural death. Sibal stated that the death certificate was issued at 1:47 PM, while the police registered the unnatural death report at 2:55 PM. Sibal further mentioned that the search and seizure related to the incident took place between 8:30 PM and 10:45 PM.

During a hearing concerning the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government informed the Supreme Court on Monday that 23 individuals have lost their lives due to the ongoing doctors' strike. The strike was initiated in protest of the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, presented a status report prepared by the state health department to the bench.
"A status report has been filed. The state health department has filed a report. Twenty-three people have died as doctors are on strike," Sibal said.

The top court also directed immediate removal of photographs of the RG Kar hospital victim from all social media platforms and electroninc mediums must be removed forthwith to protect the dignity and privacy of the deceased.

The apex court said that the agitating resident doctors must return to work by Tuesday 5pm. The apex court also reminded that no action should be taken against doctors once they return to work.
However, it noted that if they fail to do so, the court will not be able to restrain the state government, and further absence from work might lead to disciplinary action against them.