Key Document Discovered in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case as Supreme Court Awaits Autopsy Report

The RG Kar rape-murder case, which has gripped Kolkata and drawn intense scrutiny from the Supreme Court, saw a key development with the discovery of the "missing document" related to the investigation. The document, a one-page requisition from August 9, was located and submitted by the police to the forensics department for a postmortem and inquest examination under videography, as required under legal procedures in Bengal.

The Supreme Court had emphasized the importance of this document, specifically seeking PRB Form No 54 (Vide Rule 282, WB Form No 5371), which is used by Bengal police when sending a body for postmortem. This form is crucial for recording the victim’s clothing, injury details, and other significant forensic evidence. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had stressed that without this form, the postmortem procedure could not be properly documented, raising concerns about the investigation's integrity.

The recovered requisition, however, was a simpler document addressed to the head of the department of forensic medicine at RG Kar Hospital. It outlined the need for a postmortem and inquest examination under videography, in the presence of a board of doctors. The FIR, the victim’s personal details, and other procedural references were included. However, the requisition lacked sections for details about the victim's clothing or injury marks, which are usually included in PRB Form No 54.

The next hearing in the case is set for September 17, with the Supreme Court awaiting the complete autopsy form. Meanwhile, questions about whether postmortems should occur after sunset, as raised in the investigation, were addressed by state guidelines, which allow for such procedures with appropriate approvals.

This case remains one of high public interest, with legal and investigative nuances playing a crucial role in how justice is served. The missing autopsy form and related documents are expected to shed further light on the circumstances of the crime, as the court presses for transparency and thoroughness in the proceedings.