Calcutta High Court Bench Recuses From Hearing Larger Conspiracy Plea In RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

A Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court has recused itself from hearing proceedings concerning the alleged larger conspiracy angle in the RG Kar rape and murder case, observing that it would not be able to devote adequate time for a detailed hearing in view of its existing roster and pendency of matters.

The matter has now been referred to the Chief Justice on the administrative side for reassignment before another Bench.

The Bench comprising Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Rai Chattopadhyay passed the order during proceedings relating to petitions seeking further investigation into the broader conspiracy allegations surrounding the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in August 2024.

The Bench observed that the nature of the case required extensive hearing and consideration, which it would not be able to undertake because of roster constraints and the volume of pending matters before it.

The development comes amid continuing judicial scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding one of the most widely discussed criminal cases in recent years, which had sparked nationwide protests, prolonged demonstrations by medical professionals, and widespread demands for institutional accountability and enhanced safety measures in hospitals.

The case pertains to the rape and murder of a 31 year old postgraduate trainee doctor whose body was discovered inside the seminar hall of the state run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.

The incident triggered massive outrage across the country, with doctors’ associations, students, civil society groups, and members of the public raising concerns regarding safety and security within medical institutions.

Following the incident, the Kolkata Police commenced investigation into the matter and arrested civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy in connection with the crime.

However, allegations soon emerged regarding irregularities in the initial investigation, including concerns relating to preservation of the crime scene, handling of evidence, and possible attempts to suppress material facts connected with the incident.

In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the growing public concern, the High Court transferred investigation of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation in August 2024.

The transfer order was passed after the Court observed that the circumstances warranted an independent investigation to ensure public confidence in the probe.

Subsequently, the CBI continued investigation into various aspects of the case, including allegations that the incident may have involved a larger conspiracy extending beyond the role attributed to the convicted accused.

Sanjoy Roy was later convicted by a trial court in connection with the rape and murder.

Despite the conviction, the victim’s family and certain petitioners continued to seek further investigation into what they described as a broader conspiracy surrounding the crime.

They contended before the High Court that several aspects of the incident remained unexplained and that the involvement of other individuals required deeper examination by the investigating agency.

The Division Bench had been hearing these petitions over the past several hearings.

Recently, the Court permitted the CBI to re-interrogate Sanjoy Roy and question additional suspects, if required, in order to examine the larger conspiracy allegations.

The recusal once again places the matter before the administrative side of the High Court for constitution of an appropriate Bench to continue hearing the petitions concerning the alleged larger conspiracy and further investigation demands raised by the victim’s family.

The RG Kar case continues to remain under close public scrutiny owing to the nature of the allegations, the institutional questions raised during the course of proceedings, and the continuing demands for a comprehensive investigation into all aspects connected with the incident.

Bench: Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Rai Chattopadhyay

Date of Hearing: 12.05.2026