On September 7, 2024, the Sealdah court in Kolkata expressed frustration over the absence of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) lawyer and investigating officer during the bail hearing of Sanjay Roy. Roy is the main suspect in the rape and murder case of a 31-year-old trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The incident has gripped public attention since the doctor’s body was discovered on August 9 with severe injuries, and Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested the following day.
The court was set to hear Roy’s bail plea, but the CBI’s delay in appearing led to a tense situation. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Pamela Gupta grew increasingly irritated as time passed without the CBI’s presence, eventually questioning whether she should grant bail to the accused due to the lack of opposition from the prosecution. The delay raised concerns about the CBI’s handling of the case, with the magistrate expressing disappointment over the agency’s “lethargic” approach.
Eventually, a CBI lawyer arrived, nearly an hour late, to oppose the bail request, although without specific reasons. Despite the delayed representation, the court rejected the bail plea and remanded Sanjay Roy to judicial custody until September 20, ensuring the CBI continued its investigation.
The delayed appearance of the CBI prosecutor fueled speculation and political backlash, especially from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale, in particular, criticized the CBI, accusing it of intentionally stalling the case to secure bail for the accused. He suggested that political motives were behind the delay, implying a conspiracy involving the CBI, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the central government. His claims gained traction on social media, where he alleged that the investigation was being manipulated to bury the case.
This case, which involves allegations of both rape and murder, has seen significant legal and public interest. Initially investigated by the Kolkata Police, it was transferred to the CBI after a directive from the Calcutta High Court. The move was made to ensure impartiality and thoroughness, but as the CBI took over on August 14, concerns about delays and inefficiencies have persisted.
The Supreme Court is expected to review the case on September 9. This upcoming hearing follows earlier remarks from the apex court, which criticized the local authorities, including the Kolkata Police, for their initial delay in registering the doctor’s unnatural death. The court’s involvement adds another layer of scrutiny to an already sensitive case, further intensifying public and media attention.
Adding to the complexity, the central government recently accused the West Bengal government of non-cooperation with the CISF, which had been deployed to provide security at the hospital where the doctor worked. This claim of “unpardonable” lack of support has further complicated an already tense political climate, with both state and central agencies seemingly at odds.
Despite the legal intricacies, the focus remains on justice for the trainee doctor. The victim’s family has also become more vocal in their demands for swift and decisive action. The CBI is under pressure not just from the court, but also from public opinion and the political establishment, to bring the case to a conclusion that upholds accountability and ensures that the truth is revealed.
This case has touched on wider societal issues, such as the safety of women, the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens, and the political games that often play out in high-profile criminal investigations. With the CBI now tasked with delivering justice, all eyes remain on the progress of the investigation and the outcome of the court hearings in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, the TMC continues to raise concerns about the central government’s influence over the investigation. As political and legal tensions escalate, the handling of this case may have broader implications for both state and central institutions, shaping the conversation around governance and accountability in India.