Kolkata, 15 September (H.S.): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday filed its 13th status report before the Sealdah court in connection with the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In its three-page report, the agency stated that its Special Investigation Team (SIT) had spoken to the victim’s family and examined medical reports, CCTV footage and other forensic reports.

The CBI informed the court that it could place before it important findings that have emerged during the investigation, if directed to do so. The agency’s report provided a brief account of the progress made in the investigation so far.

During the hearing, the lawyer representing the victim’s family raised serious questions over the progress and direction of the investigation. The counsel alleged that it remained unclear how the investigation was being diverted while the actual accused were allegedly being shielded.

Describing the case as extremely important, the lawyer also highlighted the role played by the media in bringing developments in the case to public attention.

The victim’s family further submitted that the CBI was aware of who the principal accused were and that both the family and the court were also aware of the matter. According to the family’s counsel, three persons have been arrested in connection with the case, but questions continue to remain over the alleged role of other individuals.

The lawyer questioned why those whose roles were allegedly significant had not been brought within the scope of the investigation. He said the family had repeatedly sought answers from the investigating agency as to why the role of persons allegedly kept outside the investigation was not being examined.

The family’s counsel maintained that identifying and bringing the actual perpetrators before the law was essential and urged the investigating agency to take the probe forward in that direction.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh