RG Kar murder: Supreme Court raps West Bengal for vandalism at hospital; seeks status reports from CBI, Kolkata Police

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the progress of investigation into the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case by Thursday..The bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra also directed the State of West Bengal to file a status report by August 22 on the progress of probe into the acts of vandalism which took place in aftermath of the crime.The Court also took strong exception to the failure by the West Bengal State machinery to stop a large mob which on August 15 vandalised the emergency ward and other areas of the hospital after the crime."On 12:30 am on August 15, a large mob vandalised the emergency ward and other areas of the hospital. Following this, Indian Medical Association (IMA) called for nationwide withdrawal of emergency services for 14 hours. The State was expected to deploy State machinery to maintain law and order and protect crime scene. We are unable to comprehend why the State could not do so," the Court said.It will hear the matter again on August 22..The Court was hearing the suo motu matter initiated in relation to the gruesome crime which has sparked outrage and protests across the country.Today, it formed a National Task Force to look into safety and wellbeing of medical professionals..After the Court asked the State to update it about the progress of investigation into the vandalism, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta urged the Court that the State government should also share its report with the CBI."Whatever is shared with Court, must be given to CBI," Mehta said.However, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal - representing the State government, said that it should not be ordered at present."Not at this point. This goes to them and then the social media takes action. It will exasperate the situation. This is only to inform your lordships that what is on social media is not correct ... for eg they say it is suicide, we never said," Sibal submitted..On the vandalism, the Court said the State must ensure action. "Doctors are protesting and a mob invaded the hospital and critical facilities were damaged and what was Kolkata Police doing? The crime scene is in the hospital. Police has to protect the crime scene. What are they doing," the CJI saidSibal submitted that 37 people have been arrested and 50 FIRs were filed.At this point, Mehta said 50 FIRs for one incident was recipe "for not investigating" the matter. SG again submitted that the State must share with CBI the information being given to the Court. He assured it will remain confidential."We must cross-check what is being given... this resistance shows that there is lack of...," Mehta said.Sibal at this point said,"Obviously there is lack of faith.. I know why you are asking.".[Read Orders]