Evidence was systematically destroyed: Bengal Govt reopens RG Kar case files

The West Bengal Health Department has reopened files related to the RG Kar case, with newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee announcing a fresh review of the investigation into the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

On Friday, Mukherjee held a nearly one-and-a-half-hour meeting with the victim's parents to understand their concerns regarding the investigation and the alleged shortcomings in the handling of the case. According to officials, the minister sought details about how the probe was conducted and where possible loopholes may have existed. Following the interaction, he chaired another meeting with senior Health Department officials to examine records and findings related to the case.

Speaking to reporters, Mukherjee said the government was dissatisfied with the progress made so far and had therefore decided to reopen the files.

"This matter is very close to our hearts. We have been fighting for justice for nearly one and a half years, yet we are not satisfied with the outcome so far. That is why we have reopened the file," he said.

WERE THE EVIDENCE SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED?

The minister alleged that evidence and information connected to the case had been systematically destroyed. He said the department would attempt to determine who was responsible for destroying evidence, who may have assisted in the process, and whether any larger network was involved in alleged irregularities surrounding the investigation.

Mukherjee added that all available documents, records and evidence would be compiled and shared with investigating agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for further scrutiny.

"We have reviewed everything that is currently available and will place the material before the investigating agencies," he said, while refraining from discussing specific aspects of the case as it remains sub judice.

THE RG KAR CASE: AS IT HAPPENED

The RG Kar case dates back to August 2024, when a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead inside the government-run hospital. The victim, a second-year PG student, was discovered unconscious in a seminar hall within the hospital's emergency building and was later declared dead. Hospital sources had reported injury marks on her body, leading police to register a murder case.

The incident triggered widespread outrage across West Bengal and sparked months of protests by doctors, medical students and civil society groups demanding justice and greater safety for healthcare professionals.

At the time, Kolkata Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising homicide experts and officers from the Detective Department to probe the case. However, the investigation soon became the subject of intense political controversy.

BJP leader Amit Malviya had accused the then Mamata Banerjee-led government of attempting to suppress facts related to the case and questioned the role of the Kolkata Police. Medical students of RG Kar Medical College also organised candlelight marches and demonstrations seeking a transparent investigation.

The reopening of the files comes amid continuing demands from the victim's family and various organisations for accountability, a thorough investigation and answers regarding the alleged destruction of evidence and handling of the case.

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