Suvendu Adhikari Demands Fresh Probe Into 2024 RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a fresh probe into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, saying the decision followed a request from the victim’s mother.

Speaking at a memorial meeting in Panihati, Adhikari said the government would initiate the investigation under the Special Commission Act, 1952, after discussions with the chief secretary and a team of experts. He alleged that the police had failed to perform their duties in the case.

Adhikari also ordered a separate investigation into alleged irregularities in the victim’s cremation and directed the Barrackpore Police commissioner to register an FIR. He alleged that the body, initially third in the queue at the Natagarh Kadamtala crematorium, was moved to the first position and cremated hastily.

He further alleged that prescribed cremation charges were not paid by the family and that the mandatory signature of a close relative was not obtained. Adhikari named Nirmal Ghosh, Somnath Dey and Sanjib Mukherjee while making the allegations.

The doctor’s body was recovered from the hospital’s seminar hall on August 9, 2024, triggering widespread protests across the country. Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy was arrested, and following a Calcutta High Court order, the CBI took over the investigation. Roy was later sentenced to life imprisonment.

The victim’s family, however, has maintained that others were involved in the crime and continued to seek a wider investigation.

Adhikari said the state police would independently examine the cremation allegations as the matter did not fall within the CBI’s ongoing probe. He also paid tribute to the victim’s parents for their prolonged fight for justice.

He said the government would adopt a strict approach towards crimes against women, directing officers not to wait for political instructions before acting in rape, women’s safety or POCSO cases.

Adhikari also announced that six special public prosecutors had been appointed to expedite 18 cases in which trial courts had awarded the death penalty but proceedings remained pending for years.