Calcutta High Court Criticizes CBI for “Lackadaisical” Probe in R.G. Kar Case

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, following its directive for a fresh probe into the R.G. Kar rape and murder case by a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI’s investigation approach. The judges, Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, criticized the agency for what they termed a “lackadaisical” probe.
The CBI submitted a progress report as per the court’s instructions, but after reviewing it, both judges found fault with the agency’s progress. Justice Ghosh remarked that the investigation did not align with the court’s order for a thorough probe by a three-member SIT. He even raised concerns about the possibility of transferring the investigation away from the CBI.
Justice Sarkar raised specific queries, highlighting the destruction of the seminar room within the hospital premises, believed to be the actual crime scene. She questioned why the CBI’s investigation was limited to a broader conspiracy conclusion, as mentioned in the progress report, and queried who had constrained the CBI when the court was keen on ensuring justice.