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The Supreme Court of India delved into the intricacies of a highly sensitive case involving the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, highlighting the crucial role of a seemingly insignificant document – the challan. This form, required for post-mortem procedures, was inexplicably absent from the case file, raising serious concerns regarding the integrity of the investigation and the potential for tampering. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, emphasized the importance of the challan, stating that it serves as a crucial record of all items sent for examination along with the deceased body. Without the challan, the autopsy team is mandated to refuse the body, rendering it essential for a legitimate and transparent investigation.
As the hearing progressed, the absence of the challan fueled suspicion among the judges, with Justice JB Pardiwala pointing out the striking omission of the document from the post-mortem report. This led to a heated exchange between the bench and the legal representatives of the West Bengal government, with the former demanding an explanation for the document's disappearance. The Solicitor General of India further fueled the controversy, suggesting that the challan may have been created after the fact, citing its absence from the post-mortem report. This accusation sparked a tense response from the West Bengal government's legal team, who vehemently denied any such fabrication.
The court's decision to request a fresh report from the CBI, scheduled for the following Tuesday, indicates the gravity of the situation. The missing challan, coupled with the forensic examination report, presents a complex puzzle that the CBI must unravel to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation. Beyond the missing document, the court also focused on the forensic evidence in the case, with the Solicitor General highlighting the importance of determining who collected the samples. This aspect of the investigation hinges on ensuring the integrity of the collected evidence and its subsequent analysis.
The Solicitor General's statement regarding the samples being sent to AIIMS, a prestigious medical institution in Delhi, signals a shift in the forensic approach. This decision suggests a lack of confidence in the initial analysis conducted by the CFSL in West Bengal, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive and independent examination. Furthermore, the 14-hour delay in registering the FIR (First Information Report) came under scrutiny, raising concerns about potential negligence or attempts to hinder the investigation. The Supreme Court's determination to scrutinize the case with utmost rigor underscores the gravity of the situation. The absence of the challan, the forensic complexities, and the delay in filing the FIR have all contributed to a shroud of uncertainty surrounding the investigation, demanding a thorough and impartial examination to deliver justice to the victim and her family.
Source: 'Missing' Document In Focus As Supreme Court Hears Kolkata Rape-Murder Case