The Supreme Court has overturned the Kolkata High Court’s order for a CBI inquiry into the alleged custodial torture of two women protesters. These women were protesting the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
After reviewing the women’s petition, the Supreme Court directed the case to be investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of the CBI. The court ordered the SIT to submit weekly investigation reports to the Kolkata High Court. It also instructed the Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court to form a bench to oversee the case and receive the SIT’s reports.
Court Seeks SIT Composition in custodial torture case
The bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice Ujjwal Bhuiyan delivered this order. During the previous hearing, the Supreme Court had stayed the Kolkata High Court’s directive for a CBI probe. The court then asked the state to propose names of IPS-level officers, including women officers, to form a new SIT. This team will handle the investigation into the custodial torture allegations.
Allegations of Torture Sparked Inquiry
The Kolkata High Court took the allegations seriously on October 8. The case involves accusations against the West Bengal Police for allegedly torturing Rama Das in custody. The incident occurred between September 8 and 11 after her arrest on September 7.
The Supreme Court’s decision to entrust the investigation to the SIT ensures closer monitoring of the case, while maintaining oversight through the Kolkata High Court.
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