The court, unsatisfied with reports from New Market and Shakespeare Police Stations, emphasized further investigation, while Justice Ghosh addressed the alleged police assault on the RG Kar victim’s mother during the August 9 protest

Kolkata

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma to appoint a Deputy Commissioner-rank officer to investigate the alleged police attack on the mother of the RG Kar victim during the Nabanna Abhijan protest. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh noted that a medical report from a private hospital showed injury marks on her forehead, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.

Calling the case sensitive and in the interest of justice, the court ordered the investigating officer to examine the hospital treatment records. The officer may file an FIR if necessary and determine whether any punishable offence was committed. If no offence is found, the case may be closed with the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s approval, Justice Ghosh added.

The incident occurred during the first anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which had already been marked by violent clashes between protesters and police. The victim’s mother claimed she was beaten by officers while trying to march toward Nabanna with her husband and other protesters.

Days later, the victim’s father approached the Kolkata Police Commissioner, accusing Shakespeare Sarani Police Station of failing to register his complaint. On August 12, the Kolkata Police stated that no evidence was found supporting claims of the mother being beaten during the Nabanna Abhijan. The High Court’s directive ensures a senior-level officer now handles the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in this sensitive case.