Supreme Court Criticizes Kolkata Police Over Delay in Doctor's Rape-Murder Case

The Supreme Court criticized Kolkata Police for a significant delay in registering a case of a woman doctor's rape and murder. The delay disrupted healthcare services in Bengal. The court questioned the procedural lapses and urged governments to ensure healthcare professionals' safety. Protests and political reactions ensued.

The Supreme Court on Thursday took serious exception to the Kolkata Police's delay in registering a case for the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital, terming it 'extremely disturbing.' The court urged agitating doctors to resume their duties as healthcare services in Bengal's state-run hospitals faced disruptions for the fourteenth day.

The apex court directed both the central and state governments to take immediate action to secure the safety of healthcare workers. The court scrutinized the 14-hour delay in filing the FIR and the procedural formalities, questioning the sequence of events during the critical hours.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued several directives concerning doctors' safety, protesters' rights, and the West Bengal government's duties. The court also warned political parties against politicizing the incident, with the CBI, ordered to probe the case, now seeking polygraph tests for involved parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)