“CBI doesn’t even answer our calls,” say Abhaya’s parents, accuse them of ignoring SC directives

The parents of Abhaya, a young doctor raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College, have raised concerns about the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) handling of the case. Despite the Sealdah Court’s January 18, 2025, verdict convicting Sanjay Roy for the crime, the family has alleged a lack of transparency and updates from the investigating agency.

The Supreme Court had instructed the CBI to keep Abhaya’s family informed about the investigation’s progress. Abhaya’s mother claims that no such updates were provided. “Earlier, when we called, the CBI used to respond, but now they don’t even answer,” she stated. Her father added that they were not informed when the chargesheet was filed in the Sealdah Court and accused the agency of failing to communicate critical developments.

The family also questioned the CBI’s inability to identify the crime scene, despite a report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). The CFSL report concluded that the seminar hall in RG Kar’s Emergency Building, where Abhaya’s body was found on August 9, 2024, was not the site of the crime. However, the investigation has not confirmed an alternate location or clarified key details surrounding the incident.

Abhaya’s parents revealed that they initially requested an investigation under the supervision of the High Court by a special officer, but the court had entrusted the CBI with the case. The family further alleged that the agency has not filed charges against Sandip Ghosh, the Officer-in-Charge of Tala Police Station, despite allegations of negligence.

Abhaya’s case began on August 9, 2024, when her body was found in the seminar hall. The CBI filed a chargesheet on November 4, 2024, and the trial commenced on November 11, concluding on January 9, 2025. Sanjay Roy was convicted for the rape and murder, but Abhaya’s parents continue to demand a thorough investigation and compliance with court directives for transparency.