Calcutta High Court Orders CBI Probe into Alleged Police Torture

The Calcutta High Court has mandated a CBI investigation into alleged custodial torture of a woman involved in protests over a doctor's murder. Petitioners accused police of abusive conduct during their detention, which was confirmed by a jail official’s report. The court called for an unbiased inquiry due to potential conflicts of interest.

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate alleged custodial torture experienced by a woman arrested amidst protests against the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The order came following allegations from two female petitioners claiming police mistreatment during their detention.

A jail official's report substantiated claims of physical abuse against one petitioner. Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj underscored the necessity for an impartial inquiry, citing potential conflicts if local law enforcement conducted the investigation. The court instructed the CBI to identify and legally pursue the officers responsible for the alleged torture, occurring between September 8 and 11.

Despite claims from the West Bengal government of lawful arrests based on credible allegations, the court found no evidence supporting illegal activities by the petitioners, who had participated in protests under constitutional rights. A medical report confirmed one petitioner endured physical torture while in custody. The court seeks a CBI report by November 15, as further hearings are scheduled for November 18.