West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who ordered a fresh investigation into the R.G. Kar case citing “serious police lapses” in the original probe.
RG Kar Case: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Orders Fresh Probe
Victim’s mother sought reinvestigation; CM also flags “serious police lapses” in original probe
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, acting on a request from the victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, who is now a BJP MLA.
Sharing the stage with Debnath, Adhikari said the decision followed “extensive discussions with the chief secretary and a team of experts.” He announced that the reinvestigation will be carried out under the Special Commission Act, 1952, in addition to the CBI’s ongoing court-monitored probe.
“Attempt Was Made to Cover Up the Incident”
Adhikari alleged that police functioning under the previous Trinamool Congress government had “failed to perform their duty” in the case and claimed there was a deliberate attempt to cover up the crime. He clarified that while the CBI continues its own investigation based on documentary evidence under court supervision, the state police have now been directed to probe matters that fall outside the CBI’s mandate — including an alleged cremation-related scam and the identities of individuals visible in CCTV footage from the night of the crime.
Background: The Crime That Shook Bengal
The case dates back to August 9, 2024, when the body of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was discovered in a seminar room at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. The murder triggered nationwide protests by doctors, medical students, and civil society groups demanding justice and stronger safety measures for healthcare workers. While a trial led to a conviction, the victim’s family has consistently maintained that the real conspirators behind the crime were never identified, alleging evidence tampering and an institutional cover-up during the original probe.
Officers Suspended Over Lapses
The fresh probe follows earlier disciplinary action taken by Adhikari’s government against police officials accused of mishandling the original investigation:
• Vineet Goyal, former Kolkata Police Commissioner — suspended over administrative negligence and delayed FIR registration
• Indira Mukherjee, Deputy Commissioner (Central Division) — suspended over procedural lapses
• Abhishek Gupta, Deputy Commissioner (North Division) — suspended over allegations of offering a bribe to the victim’s family
All three now face departmental inquiry, with the administrative side of the case handed over to the CID. Two correctional home officials were also suspended over alleged negligence.
Court-Ordered SIT Running in Parallel
Separately, the Calcutta High Court had earlier ordered the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CBI after expressing dissatisfaction with the original investigation. The SIT has been tasked with re-examining the entire chain of events — from the victim’s last dinner on the night of the crime to her cremation.
MLA Ratna Debnath has said she “knows the names” of those involved in the crime and cover-up and expects “all of them to be caught and punished.”
---
This report is based on statements made by CM Suvendu Adhikari and developments reported around the ongoing R.G. Kar case investigation as of August 2026.
Have a tip on this story?
WhatsApp Khabar Darjeeling at our channel or email nowanad@gmail.com. Your identity will be protected.
© 2026 Khabar Darjeeling
By Adhar limbu
All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced without permission.