Top Court's Sharp Rebuke to Kolkata Police on Delayed Probe of Woman Doctor's Death

The Supreme Court reprimanded Kolkata police for delays in the case of a woman doctor who was raped and killed. The court demanded answers on procedural delays and questioned the role of key officials. It also issued directions to ensure doctors' safety and urged protesting doctors to resume work.

In a stern reprimand, the Supreme Court on Thursday criticized the Kolkata police for the delays in registering the case of a woman doctor who was raped and killed at RG Kar Hospital. The court found the sequence of events and procedural timing 'extremely disturbing' and questioned the local police's actions.

The apex court appealed to protesting doctors nationwide to return to work, asserting that 'justice and medicine' cannot be stopped. It assured them that their safety is a priority and ordered no coercive action against them.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, revealed attempts by the local police to cover up the crime, claiming the crime scene was altered. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, announced a set of directives aimed at doctors' safety and demanded accountability from key officials involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)