KOLKATA: The state government will set up an inquiry commission to investigate the RG Kar rape-murder case, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Sunday, exactly two years after the crime shook Bengal and the nation. Police will also investigate afresh the manner in which the 31-year-old trainee doctor was cremated in a hurry, allegedly to destroy evidence, the CM said.The government decided a request from the victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, now the BJP MLA from Panihati. “She had written to me requesting a fresh investigation. After extensive discussions with the chief secretary and a team of experts, I am announcing a fresh probe under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952,” Adhikari said, adding that Bengal cops had failed to perform their duty in the case.The CM’s announcement at a meeting organised by the Dr Abhaya Debnath Memorial Trust in Panihati comes against the backdrop of the victim’s parents — and even the Calcutta High Court — repeatedly questioning the CBI probe into the crime. The investigating officer was replaced, and a new CBI team has now taken over the investigation.“Three aspects of the RG Kar case — the brutal rape and murder, the planned vandalism at RG Kar Hospital on Aug 14, 2024, and the financial corruption at the hospital — are sub judice and under CBI investigation. We do not have the jurisdiction to investigate these matters. However, I have identified one specific area — the cremation,” Adhikari said.“Police will investigate… who arranged for the victim’s body to be hurriedly and illegally cremated at the Panihati crematorium. The cremation certificate was signed by then Panihati MLA Nirmal Ghosh, councillor Somnath Dey, and a neighbour of the family, Sanjib Mukherjee. I am directing the Barrackpore Police commissioner to conduct a fresh probe,” the CM added.Expressing surprise over the case reaching the Supreme Court, Adhikari said, “How this case reached the apex court remains unknown to me and even to the victim’s family. Holding a constitutional position, I cannot comment further as the matter is sub judice.”Earlier on Sunday, a two-minute silence was observed at all government health centres and medical institutions across Bengal in memory of the RG Kar rape-murder victim.“This government will ensure that all those responsible are punished. Starting this year, government programmes will be organised annually to mark Abhaya Day,” Adhikari said.Towards the end of his speech, an emotional Adhikari said, “Abhaya has not died. Abhaya can never die. People elected us so that we can ensure justice. I am committed… to ensuring appropriate punishment for all those responsible.”Expressing wish that a government hospital be built in her daughter’s name, Ratna Debnath said in her address, “Those responsible for the brutal rape and murder of my daughter will receive the punishment they deserve. Her murder was part of a conspiracy… she was protesting against the widespread corruption in the state’s health system. My daughter was a brilliant student and could have become an exceptional doctor.”
