Bengal CM orders fresh investigation into R.G. Kar case

What happened: fresh investigation order in the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital case

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a fresh investigation into the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, with the case date being August 9, 2024. Adhikari stated that the victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath (now a BJP MLA), requested a fresh probe. Adhikari also stated that he had extensive discussions with the Chief Secretary and experts before issuing the direction.

Adhikari directed that the fresh investigation be conducted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Adhikari also directed the Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore to investigate how the victim’s body was cremated without family approval. Adhikari named former Trinamool Congress MLA Nirmal Ghosh and other Trinamool leaders, alleging they were responsible for hastily cremating the body.

Adhikari further stated that central agencies are looking into multiple angles, including the rape and murder, financial irregularities, and an alleged attack on the hospital. Adhikari questioned why the Supreme Court took the case suo motu (on its own initiative), stating that Adhikari and Ratna Debnath do not understand the rationale for the court’s intervention.

Background and earlier position: why procedural questions matter in serious crimes

Serious criminal cases in India often involve overlapping processes. Police investigation focuses on collecting evidence and establishing criminal responsibility. Courts may intervene to ensure legal and procedural fairness when rights, procedure, or accountability are in question. In the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital matter, Adhikari’s directions include an explicit focus on cremation without family approval, which is a procedure-related accountability question tied to the handling of a victim’s body.