Kolkata rape-murder case LIVE updates: SC asks CBI to continue its probe and file fresh status report by Sep 17

Mr. Mehta says that the Kolkata Police handed over only 27 minutes of the CCTV footage. 

He further expresses dissatisfaction with the forensic results, noting that the body of the victim was found in a semi-nude state. 

He mentions that the forensic evidence has been sent to the CFSL in West Bengal but emphasises the need to send the samples to AIIMS and other CFSLs for further analysis. As he passes on the forensic report to the court, Mr. Mehta underscores that the question of who collected the samples is now relevant.

CJI Chandrachud reveals from the report that there is CCTV footage showing the accused entering and exiting the seminar room. 

He enquires if the Kolkata police have handed over the entire footage to the CBI. Both the State and the CBI respond in the affirmative. 

A debate ensues over the timing of the General Diary (GD) entry, with Mr. Sibal claiming it was made at 2:55 p.m. and Mr. Mehta arguing it was recorded at 11:30 p.m. the previous night. 

To substantiate his claim, Mr. Sibal presents a certified copy of the GD entry to the Bench. 

Mr. Sibal further apprises the court that the inquest was conducted by the Judicial Magistrate at 4:10 p.m. and was videographed. The search and seizure took place between 8:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m, he adds. 

Addressing Mr. Sibal, CJI Chandrachud seeks clarification as to the exact time at which the unnatural death (UD) case was registered on August 9 by the Kolkata police. 

Sibal replies that the death certificate came at 1.47 pm and the UD case was registered at 2.55 pm. 

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asks, “What is the distance between the residence of the principal and the RG Kar Medical College?” 

In response, Mr. Mehta says – “20 minutes”. 

The Bench is perusing the status reports. 

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta expresses his displeasure at the West Bengal government not sharing its status report with the CBI. He asks “why hide”.

In response, senior advocate Kapil Sibal says that the status report was not filed but served to the court in sealed cover. 

In the last hearing, West Bengal government was asked by the top court to file a report on its investigation into the August 14 incident of vandalism and violence at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in the metropolis.

The Bench has assembed. The hearing begins. 

The CBI and the West Bengal government file separate, sealed cover status reports outlining the progress of the investigation. 

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for the West Bengal government informs the court that 23 people have died due to doctors’ strike. 

What were the directions issued by the top court in the previous hearing? 

Underscoring the necessity of enhancing safety standards in hospitals, the Bench observed, “As more and more women join the work force in cutting edge areas of knowledge and science, the nation has a vital stake in ensuring safe and dignified conditions of work. The constitutional value of equality demands nothing else and will not brook compromises on the health, well being and safety of those who provide health care to others. The nation cannot await a rape or murder for real changes on the ground.”

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Watch: Kolkata rape and murder case: What the Supreme Court said

In this video we will take you through some of the key directions issued by the Supreme Court in the Kolkata rape and murder case

The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 22, 2024) appealed to the doctors protesting the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital to return to work while emphasising that measures have now been undertaken to institutionalise their grievances.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud also directed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to coordinate with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of each State to implement basic safety measures until the National Task Force submits its interim report. Following the top court’s order, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Delhi AIIMS, Indira Gandhi Hospital, and Dr RML Hospital called off their 11-day strike.

Watch here. 

Watch: Kolkata rape-murder case: What the Supreme Court said on Day 2 of hearing

In this video we will take you through some of the key directions issued by the Supreme Court in the case

Justice for the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is the primary concern but the allegations that the practice of several students obtaining degrees in medicine through unfair means must not be lost sight of, according to lawyers.

They expressed optimism that the National Task Force (NTF) formed by the Supreme Court to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals will have far-reaching effects in the future.

- PTI

The rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital has triggered massive public outrage in West Bengal, creating a major political crisis for the ruling TMC and posing one of the biggest challenges to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership since she took office in 2011.

Political observers and leaders believe the sustained mass movement following the tragedy has created fertile ground for a new political party in West Bengal driven by ordinary citizens, students, and professionals disillusioned with the ruling TMC and opposition BJP and CPI(M).

- PTI

On September 3, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the ​Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill​, 2024, in response to the rape and murder of a young doctor.

The Bill introduces strict penalties, including a compulsory death sentence for rapes resulting in death or permanent injury—a first in Indian law. It also mandates fast-tracked investigations and trials for rape and acid attack cases, with timelines shortened to 21 and 30 days respectively.

​Watch the video here​. 

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Watch: What does Bengal’s ‘Aparajita’ Anti-Rape Bill entail?

West Bengal passes Aparajita Women and Child Bill with death penalty for rape, fast-tracked trials.

West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose on September 8 directed CM Mamata Banerjee to hold an immediate emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss the people’s demand to replace Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.

“Governor Bose has directed CM Mamata Banerjee to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss people’s demand for justice for the deceased woman doctor,” a Raj Bhavan source said.

“According to the Governor, the State should function within the Constitution and the rule of law. The ostrich-like attitude will not pay and the State must address the public demand to remove the Police Commissioner of Kolkata,” the source said.