Kolkata, 16 May (H.S.): The Calcutta High Court has transferred the RG Kar rape-murder case to a special division bench after two separate benches recused themselves citing lack of time for detailed hearings.

Chief Justice Justice Sujoy Paul has now assigned the matter to a special division bench comprising Justice Justice Shampa Sarkar and Justice Justice Tirthankar Ghosh.

Earlier, a division bench headed by Justice Justice Debangsu Basak had recused itself from hearing the petition filed by the victim’s family, citing time constraints. A few days later, the division bench of Justice Justice Rajasekhar Mantha also stepped aside from the case on similar grounds.

During earlier hearings, Justice Mantha’s bench had directed the CBI to interrogate prime accused Sanjay Roy and, if necessary, other suspected individuals in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The bench had also asked the central agency to submit a report in response to two supplementary affidavits filed by the victim’s parents. The CBI submitted its report in a sealed cover on Tuesday.

After receiving the report, Justice Mantha’s bench announced its decision to recuse itself from the matter.

Observing that the case required urgent and detailed hearings, Justice Mantha had said the entire state was concerned about the RG Kar incident and that the matter should be heard by a bench with adequate time to ensure proper adjudication.

The judge had also observed that the West Bengal government was possibly considering the formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey