On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court granted permission for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct further questioning of Sanjoy Roy, who is the only individual convicted in the RG Kar rape and murder case.

A division bench consisting of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Rai Chattopadhyay instructed the CBI to re-interrogate Roy and also indicated that other suspects could be questioned as needed.

The bench directed the CBI to respond to two new affidavits submitted by the victim’s parents. The next court session is set for May 12, during which the CBI is expected to present its findings. Jayanta Narayan Chattopadhyay, the attorney representing the victim’s family, asserted that they have gathered information on various matters that were not thoroughly investigated by either the CBI or the state police.

He mentioned that a forensic expert suggested the possibility of multiple individuals being present at the time of the crime. Additionally, he highlighted the submission of further affidavits concerning the collection and analysis of DNA samples, along with considerations of audio evidence. The lawyer also claimed that the testimonies of certain individuals last seen with the victim were not recorded.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha remarked that it is believed the sole accused might have additional information, hence the CBI should not hesitate to question Roy again for the sake of the investigation. The court also noted that the investigative agency could employ advanced technology and modern techniques during the inquiry.

Deputy Solicitor General Rajdeep Majumdar, representing the CBI, informed the court about the formation of a medical board tasked with providing expert insights on the case. This report is also expected to be presented at the upcoming hearing.

Earlier in March, a separate division bench led by Justices Debangshu Basak and MD Shabbar Rashidi dismissed all cases linked to the rape and murder. The victim’s family had filed a writ petition alleging shortcomings in the CBI investigation, calling for a renewed inquiry and oversight by the court. In August 2025, Justice Ghosh had released the case from his bench as two matters related to the RG Kar case were to be addressed by the division bench of Justices Basak and Rashidi.

Justice Ghosh remarked that since an appeal was underway in the division bench, the matter should be combined with that appeal and subsequently removed from the list, with records to be submitted to the Chief Justice for future assignment.

The tragic incident involved the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College on August 9, 2024. Following the event, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested by Kolkata police the next day.

The investigation was later transferred from the West Bengal Police to the central agency by the High Court. The CBI filed a chargesheet in the trial court on October 7, 2025, and the charges against Roy were formally framed on November 4, 2025. On January 20, 2025, the trial court sentenced Roy to life imprisonment after his conviction. However, the victim’s family has consistently maintained that he was not the only perpetrator of the crime.

In January, both the state government and the central agency appealed to the High Court, seeking the death penalty for Roy. The High Court, in February 2025, rejected the government’s appeal while agreeing to consider the central agency’s request, emphasizing its role as the investigative and prosecutorial authority.

Tanusree Bose is a committed journalist for The Indian Express, based in Kolkata. Her reporting incisively addresses the intricate political, administrative, and judicial developments within West Bengal, establishing her as a credible source in regional news.

Her current role involves delivering reliable content for the respected national daily, The Indian Express, with a particular focus on West Bengal’s news landscape and political intricacies.

Bose has built a strong portfolio in key areas, including:

• State Politics and Governance: Monitoring the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies from the BJP, and internal political disputes.
• Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Keeping a close watch on significant rulings from the Calcutta High Court regarding employment, education, and social matters.
• Education Sector: Reporting on critical issues such as recruitment irregularities and actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE).
• Social & Electoral Issues: Covering community events, tensions (including religious and political gatherings), and electoral processes, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Tanusree Bose’s consistent and focused reporting on vital regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscores her position as a reliable and authoritative news source for West Bengal.