Supreme Court Asks For “Missing” Key Document In Kolkata Doctor Murder Case

The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive for striking doctors in West Bengal to return to work by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, cautioning that continued strikes could lead to disciplinary actions. This order was made during a hearing related to the tragic case of a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at a Kolkata hospital, which has sparked widespread protests and outrage.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the West Bengal government for its handling of the case, particularly questioning the 14-hour delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and highlighting the absence of a crucial document needed for the autopsy, known as the “challan.” The Chief Justice expressed concern over how a post-mortem could be conducted without this formal request, emphasizing the procedural lapses in the investigation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), confirmed that the challan was not available in their records, complicating the investigation further.

The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved the brutal assault and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Following the incident, significant public outcry has led to protests across the country, with demands for justice and improved safety for healthcare professionals. The case has also raised broader concerns about the treatment of women and the integrity of medical institutions in India.