Kolkata: The Supreme Court has adjourned its hearing on the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, with proceedings set to resume on September 17. The CBI will present a fresh report on the investigation on the same date. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, initially took suo moto cognisance of the case on August 22.
Key Updates:
- Supreme Court Hearing: The court has identified several discrepancies, including the absence of a post-mortem report challan, a delayed FIR by 14 hours, and inconsistencies in general diary entries. The court has also mandated the removal of all photographs of the victim from social media to protect her dignity and privacy.
- West Bengal Government’s Response: Under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, the West Bengal government has been criticized for mishandling the case. Opposition parties and activists are calling for Banerjee’s resignation. Banerjee has denied allegations of attempting to bribe the victim’s family and labeled such claims as “slander.” She has offered to support the victim’s family in their daughter’s memory but rejected accusations of misconduct.
- Protests and Accusations: Banerjee claimed that ongoing protests are part of a “conspiracy” involving the Centre and some Left parties. She accused certain TV channels of spreading provocative news for higher TRPs. In response to the protests, Banerjee has suggested that Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal offered to resign, but the government opted to retain him for law and order during the Durga Puja festivities.
- Medical Services Disruption: The TMC has welcomed the Supreme Court’s directive for protesting doctors to resume work by 5 pm tomorrow. The party reported that over 7 lakh out-patients have been affected by the strike.
- BJP’s Critique: The BJP has criticized Banerjee, urging her to resign and accusing her of exposing her “dirty face” through the Supreme Court hearings.
Next Steps: The Supreme Court will continue its examination of the case on September 17, with further updates expected from the CBI’s report.
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