The Supreme Court on Monday raised serious concerns over the missing post-mortem challan in the high-profile Kolkata rape-murder case involving a young medical student at RG Kar Medical College. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the disappearance of the mandatory document required during the body’s handover for post-mortem. The apex court also instructed protesting resident doctors in West Bengal to resume work by 5 PM Tuesday, assuring them of no disciplinary action upon return. Additionally, the court ordered the immediate removal of the victim’s photos from all social media platforms to protect her dignity and privacy.
The court further criticized the Kolkata Police for a 14-hour delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) after the brutal incident. Highlighting procedural lapses, the bench—which includes Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra—questioned both the CBI and West Bengal government about the missing challan. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed that the CBI lacked the document, while senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the state, promised to verify its whereabouts. The Supreme Court has now instructed the CBI to submit a fresh, detailed status report by September 17.
On the one-month anniversary of the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to allegations that the victim’s family was offered hush money. She firmly denied the claim, stating in a press conference, “No money was offered. They were only asked if any work should be done in memory of their daughter. If someone alleges money was offered, it must be proven.” The case continues to spark public outrage and intense scrutiny over lapses in investigation and justice delivery.
