Abhaya’s parents seek re-investigation; file petition in High Court over CBI's slow progress

Abhaya’s parents have filed a petition in the Kolkata High Court requesting a reinvestigation into their daughter’s rape and murder case, expressing dissatisfaction with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s handling of the case. The petition, filed on Thursday, raises concerns about the slow pace of the investigation and allegations that critical evidence has been tampered with. The family also claims they no longer trust the ongoing investigation, fearing that if the court does not intervene, the case may lose momentum as the trial progresses.

The CBI took over the investigation in 2020, following an order from the Kolkata High Court, after the family expressed concerns over the handling of the case by the local police. Initially, the CBI had made progress in gathering evidence and conducting investigations, but as months passed, the family raised alarms about the lack of significant breakthroughs. They stated that the investigation had failed to produce meaningful results, and vital evidence that could potentially help solve the case appeared to have been mishandled or lost.

A major point of contention in the petition is the CBI’s failure to submit a charge sheet within the mandated 90-day period, which allowed the accused to apply for bail. This included key suspects, former principal Sandeep Ghosh of RG Kar and ex-police officer Abhijit Mondal. Their release on bail has been a source of frustration for the family, who claim that the delay in filing the charge sheet highlights inefficiency in the investigation. The petitioners assert that this delay, along with the ongoing trial, has put the entire case at risk of being derailed.

The trial, which began earlier this year, has already seen the start of witness testimonies, but the family fears that without an expedited and thorough investigation, the proceedings may lose focus. They have requested the High Court to intervene and ensure that the CBI investigates the case with greater urgency. The family is also concerned that if the case continues without new investigative direction, the trial may reach an inconclusive or unjust resolution.

The case remains under review by the Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and directed the CBI to continue its investigation. The petition filed in the High Court will be heard next week, and the outcome of the hearing could determine whether the investigation will continue under the current trajectory or whether new directions will be given. If the High Court intervenes, it could result in the reassignment of the investigation or other legal actions to ensure a comprehensive investigation.