Kolkata Horror: Supreme Court Slams Kolkata Police, Hospital Authorities in Suo Motu Case on Rape and Murder of Medical Student

New Delhi, August 20, 2024 – The Supreme Court of India, in a rare but significant move, took suo motu cognizance of the gruesome rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student in Kolkata, marking the case as a severe indictment of local law enforcement and medical authorities. The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, saw strong words directed at the Kolkata Police and the hospital where the victim was treated.

The Case: A Brief Overview

The victim, a 26-year-old postgraduate medical student, was found in a critical condition in her hostel room on the night of August 10, 2024. Despite immediate medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The preliminary investigation revealed that the student had been brutally raped and physically assaulted before her death. The case sparked widespread outrage across the country, particularly in West Bengal, where the incident occurred.

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance

The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case suo motu (on its own motion) underscores the gravity of the crime and the perceived inadequacies in the investigation by local authorities. During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud expressed deep concern over the handling of the case, particularly criticizing the Kolkata Police for what he described as a "complete failure to protect the life and dignity of the victim."

"The manner in which the investigation has been conducted so far is shocking and unacceptable. The state machinery appears to have failed in its fundamental duty to protect its citizens," remarked the CJI, who questioned the delay in arresting the suspects and securing the crime scene.

Kolkata Police and Hospital Authorities Under Fire

CJI Chandrachud’s sharpest criticism was reserved for the Kolkata Police, who were lambasted for their sluggish response in the critical hours following the discovery of the crime. "Why did it take so long for the police to arrive at the scene? Why was the crime scene not cordoned off immediately? These are questions that the authorities must answer," the CJI demanded, highlighting the potential loss of crucial evidence due to the delayed response.

The court also took serious note of the actions of the hospital where the victim was initially treated. "The hospital's failure to promptly inform the police of the nature of the injuries sustained by the victim is inexcusable. The hospital authorities must explain why they did not follow the standard protocol in such cases," the CJI stated, adding that the lack of communication between the medical staff and law enforcement further compromised the investigation.

A Call for Accountability and Justice

The Supreme Court directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Director of the hospital to submit detailed reports on the incident and the subsequent handling of the case. The court has also appointed a special investigative team (SIT) to oversee the ongoing investigation, ensuring that it proceeds with the "utmost diligence and urgency."

The court's intervention has been widely welcomed by activists and legal experts, who have long criticized the slow pace of justice in cases of sexual violence in India. "The Supreme Court’s involvement is crucial to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice swiftly," said a senior advocate, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Public Outrage and the Demand for Swift Action

The case has ignited protests and demonstrations in Kolkata and other parts of the country, with citizens demanding swift justice for the victim and her family. The incident has once again brought to the fore the issue of women's safety in India, particularly in urban areas, where such crimes continue to be reported with alarming frequency.

As the Supreme Court continues to monitor the case, all eyes are on the investigative agencies and the judiciary to see how they will respond to the challenge of delivering justice in this high-profile case.

The Supreme Court’s harsh reprimand of the Kolkata Police and hospital authorities in the suo motu case sends a strong message about the judiciary’s intolerance towards negligence in cases of sexual violence. As the investigation proceeds under the watchful eye of the court, there is renewed hope that justice will be served for the young medical student whose life was brutally cut short.