Month: February 2026

Holding that managing a household and raising a child are real and valuable contributions, even if they do not generate taxable income, the Delhi High Court has ruled that a non-earning wife cannot be denied interim maintenance merely because she is educated or capable of working.

The Court observed that equating non-employment with “idleness” reflects a misunderstanding of domestic labour and ignores the realities of marital life.

In a detailed judgment delivered by Justice Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma, the settled legal distinction between the capacity to earn and actual earning. It held that merely because a wife is educated or has undertaken a professional course does not disentitle her from maintenance in the absence of material showing that she is actually earning sufficient income to sustain herself.

The High Court found that the lower courts had erred in treating certain bank transactions, primarily transfers made by the husband towards “monthly expenses”, as evidence of the wife’s income. Such transfers, the Court noted, could not be construed as independent earnings.

It further observed that in many Indian households, women discontinue employment after marriage due to relocation, childcare responsibilities, or family expectations. Expecting a woman to immediately re-enter the workforce after a prolonged break ignores practical challenges such as outdated skills and reduced employability.

The case arose from matrimonial proceedings between a husband employed in Kuwait and a wife residing in India with their minor child. The husband had been working overseas since 2015 and returned abroad in August 2020, leaving the wife and child in India. Thereafter, proceedings were initiated under Section 125 Cr.P.C. and the PWDV Act seeking maintenance.

Under the PWDV Act proceedings, the Magistrate granted Rs. 10,000 per month towards the child but denied maintenance to the wife. The Appellate Court enhanced maintenance for the child to Rs. 50,000 per month (later Rs. 60,000), yet again declined maintenance to the wife, citing incomplete disclosure of bank statements.

In parallel proceedings under Section 125 Cr.P.C., the Family Court awarded Rs. 50,000 per month to the wife and Rs. 40,000 per month to the minor child.

Examining the husband’s financial records, the Court noted that he was earning between USD 5,000 and 6,400 per month in Kuwait, translating to approximately Rs.4-5.3 lakh per month during the relevant period. Bank records also reflected significant savings, including fixed deposits exceeding ₹1 crore.

Rejecting the argument that EMIs and voluntary financial commitments should reduce his maintenance liability, the Court held that only statutory deductions can be considered. Voluntary loans and investments cannot override the legal obligation to maintain a dependent spouse and minor child.

While acknowledging the higher cost of living abroad, the Court found that the husband had adequate financial capacity and had previously transferred substantial amounts towards family expenses.

The High Court set aside the denial of interim maintenance to the wife under the PWDV Act and harmonised the relief granted under both statutes. It directed that interim maintenance of Rs. 50,000 per month to the wife and Rs. 40,000 per month to the minor child shall be payable, with adjustment/set-off between proceedings to avoid duplication.

The enhancement of Rs. 60,000 per month granted to the child under the PWDV Act was reduced to Rs. 40,000 per month to ensure uniformity. The amounts were directed to be payable from the date of filing of the respective petitions, with arrears to be cleared within six months.

Clarifying that the observations were confined to interim maintenance, the Court also encouraged parties to consider mediation rather than prolong adversarial litigation, particularly where minor children are involved. (ANI)

The Delhi Police have intiated legal action against cadre of the Youth Congress who were protesting ‘shirtless’ at the Bharat Manadapam on Friday. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla said the incident took place at around 12:30 pm and that the protestors had registered for the summit online.

He said the protestors were wearing sweaters and jackets over objectionable T-shirts. Near Hall Number 5, one of them removed his outer clothing and waved the T-shirt in protest. The official added that appropriate legal action is being taken and that those detained are being identified.

“The incident occurred around 12:30 PM. They registered online and entered through QR code scanning. They were wearing sweaters and jackets on top and a T-shirt underneath. Near Hall 5, they removed their sweaters and jackets. They protested while waving their T-shirts. We are taking appropriate legal action against them. We detained four of them and are identifying the rest.”, the additional CP told ANI.

“The people detained have been identified as Krishna Hari. He is the National Secretary, age 35, a resident of Bihar. The second one’s name is Kundan Yadav. He is also from Bihar. The third one’s name is Ajay Kumar and the fourth one’s name is Narasimha Yadav. He is the National Coordinator of the Indian Youth Congres,” he added.

Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib defended party workers who staged a protest at the shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit today, saying the demonstration reflected the anger of unemployed youth across the country.

Speaking to ANI, Chib said, “Today, Youth Congress members went to the AI Summit and raised slogans, ‘PM is compromised.’ This anger isn’t just from our Youth Congress members. It’s from every young person who is unemployed today, and every single one of them knows that our Prime Minister is compromised.”

He alleged that the trade deal with the United States would hurt farmers and citizens. “This trade deal with the US, we all know, will harm our farmers and people. Only America will benefit. It’s our duty to raise their voice. Our country has democracy. We can hold peaceful protests anywhere,” he said.

Reacting to the Delhi Police statement that legal steps were being taken, Chib said the party would not be deterred. “Our Youth Congress colleagues are Rahul Gandhi’s soldiers. They won’t be intimidated. When there wasn’t an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, the ED case dragged on for so many years. He was summoned for questioning so many times,” he said.

He accused the BJP of targeting opposition leaders and asserted that the Youth Congress would continue its protests. “The BJP can go to any lengths, but we are soldiers of the Constitution, soldiers of Rahul Gandhi. We won’t back down. We will raise our voice for the youth of the country,” Chib added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday lambasted the Congress party for its protest against the AI Impact Summit, branding it as “characterless, brainless, and emotionless,” even as Indian Youth Congress activists staged a dramatic shirtless demonstration at Bharat Mandapam, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the AI Summit.

Poonawalla accused the Congress of undermining national progress and said this was a protest against national achievements.

“Congress has once again proven that for them, AI isn’t Ambitious India, Artificial Intelligence, Aspirational India. For them, AI is anti-India. This isn’t the INC, this is the ANC, the anti-National Congress. The AI Summit is being praised worldwide. From President Macron to the United Nations Secretary General, to top tech company honchos, from Sam Altman to Sundar Pichai, everyone is praising it. Even Shashi Tharoor said the AI Summit was excellent. But at Rahul Gandhi’s behest, the Congress party is protesting; it is a characterless, brainless, emotionless protest. This isn’t a protest against the BJP, it’s not a protest against the PM, it’s a protest against India’s achievements,” Poonawalla added.

Earlier the Youth Congress cadres held a ‘shirtless’ protest outside the summit venue, raising slogans of “PM is compromised” and alleging that the government’s policies were harming national interests. Police later detained several protesters and said legal action was being initiated.

In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its members were protesting against what it termed a compromised leadership at the summit. (ANI)

A thin layer of fog engulfed Srinagar on Tuesday morning as the cold wave continued to tighten its grip on the Kashmir Valley, reducing visibility and intensifying the winter chill.

The iconic Dal Lake remained shrouded in mist, yet tourists braved the freezing temperatures to enjoy shikara rides and the serene winter landscape.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 9.7 degrees Celsius on January 5, which was 2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees below normal.

The IMD on Tuesday forecast isolated light to moderate rainfall or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Ground frost conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Uttarakhand.

In southern India, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is likely over Tamil Nadu on January 8 and 9, while heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Mahe on January 9 and 10.

The weather agency has also predicted a gradual fall in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C over Northwest India during the next four days, with no significant change thereafter for the next three days.

A similar fall of 2-3°C is likely over Central and East India during the next two days, followed by no significant change for the subsequent five days. No major change in minimum temperatures is expected over the remaining parts of the country.

Meanwhile, cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Jharkhand and Punjab. Cold-day conditions are expected in isolated pockets across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Sikkim.

Dense fog is very likely at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh.

Dense to very dense fog is anticipated at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Over the seas, squally weather with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is likely along and off the Sri Lanka coast, over most parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, many parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area.

Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the Somalia coast and adjoining sea areas. (ANI)

India on Friday signed and joined the Pax Silica Declaration on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit being held here in the national capital.

US Ambassador to India Segio Gor; Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Union Minister for Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the signing of the declaration.

Gor earlier highlighted India’s determination and the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming India to the Pax Silica initiative he said by signing this partnership the two nations had chosen to win.

“We welcome India joining to co found the future tax silicon is about free society, whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. It’s about whether innovation happens in Bangalore and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states they use technology to monitor and control their people. We choose freedom, we choose partnership. We choose strength. And today, with India’s entry into Pax silica, we choose to win,” Gor said

Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment also hailed India joining the Pax Silica Declaration, noting that it underscores the importance of economic security translating into national security and stands in the face of coercion and blackmail undermining prosperity of nations.

His remarks come as India formally joins the Pax Silica–the US-led effort on artificial intelligence and supply chain security on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit being held here in the national capital.

Pax Silica is the US Department of State’s flagship effort on AI and supply chain security, advancing new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners.

The Pax Silica Declaration underlines the importance of a reliable supply chain indispensable to mutual economic security and recognises AI as a transformative force for long-term prosperity.

The partnership comes shortly after India participated at the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in February represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement. (ANI)

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday highlighted India’s determination and the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries. Welcoming India to the Pax Silica initiative he said by signing this partnership the two nations had chosen to win.

“We welcome India joining to co found the future tax silicon is about free society, whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. It’s about whether innovation happens in Bangalore and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states they use technology to monitor and control their people. We choose freedom, we choose partnership. We choose strength. And today, with India’s entry into Pax silica, we choose to win,” Gor said

Gor said it was not only India’s scale that impressed him, but also its resolve to chart an independent course. Gor said he often speaks of the limitless potential between India and the United States and truly believes in it. Referring to cooperation ranging from the interim trade agreement to Pax Silica and defence ties, he said the two nations have vast opportunities to work together and that he intends to advance this partnership over the next three years of his tenure.

“What struck me most wasn’t just India’s scale, although that is breathtaking, but India’s resolve, the determination to chart your own course. I keep talking about the limitless potential between our two nations, and I truly mean it. From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defence cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless, and I aim to fulfil that over the next three years that I’m here,” Gor said.

Gor noted that the interim trade agreement concluded earlier this month would shape the economic contours of the Indo-Pacific. He said both sides overcame long-standing friction points and stressed that the deal was not merely about tariffs or trade flows, but about two democracies committing to build together rather than just trade with each other.

“Earlier this month, we concluded the interim trade agreement, a deal that shapes the economic contours of the Indo-Pacific. We overcame friction points that had held us back for far too long. That agreement wasn’t just about trade flows or tariff schedules. It was about two great democracies saying, we will build together, not just buy from one another, and now, today, we take the next step,” said Gor.

Emphasising technology cooperation, he said the two countries are ensuring that critical technologies of the next century, including artificial intelligence, space and advanced semiconductors, are developed, deployed and controlled by free nations. He added that this is being done in partnership with the world’s largest democracy, which shares common values and vision with the United States.

“What struck me most wasn’t just India’s scale, although that is breathtaking, but India’s resolve, the determination to chart your own course. I keep talking about the limitless potential between our two nations, and I truly mean it. From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defence cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless, and I aim to fulfill that over the next three years that I’m here,” he said.

Welcoming India’s participation in Pax Silica, Gor said the initiative represents a choice for free societies to control the commanding heights of the global economy. He said it would determine whether innovation thrives in places like Bengaluru and Silicon Valley or in surveillance states that use technology to control their people. (ANI)

Veteran actor, director and television presenter Annu Kapoor marked his 70th birthday on February 20 with gratitude, reflection and a fresh creative announcement.

Speaking to ANI, Kapoor thanked his fans for their wishes and revealed details about his upcoming play titled ‘Triple A’, while also paying tribute to legendary Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier, with whom he shares his birth date.

“Thank you so much for reminding me of the past,” Kapoor said, expressing appreciation for the birthday messages he received.

Calling himself “a very ordinary, simple man,” the actor said he felt honoured to share his birthday with Poitier. “I salute Sir Sidney Poitier. He was an iconic actor of American cinema, a towering performer and a master artist,” Kapoor said, recalling that Poitier was among the first Black actors to receive an Academy Award, mentioning the film ‘To Sir, With Love.’

On his milestone birthday, Kapoor also spoke about his new theatrical venture. Titled ‘Triple A’, the play stands for “Art, Artists, and Audience.”

The play has been written with the support of his creative associates Arunima Misra, Devendra Balsaraf and Sufi Khan. Auditions are currently underway, with two sessions already completed. “We are looking for young boys and girls who can dance as well,” he added.

Kapoor asserted that originality remains central to his work. “I never imitate anyone… like always this project will also be original, authentic, pure.”

Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to national recognition, Kapoor spoke about growing up in rural India and travelling across villages.

He said his life experiences shaped his understanding of society and characters. Despite professional success, he maintained that he had never compromised on his principles or self-respect.

Kapoor also recalled that his first opportunity as a director came through Jaya Bachchan, whom he described as an elder sister figure. He directed and produced the film ‘Abhay’, starring Nana Patekar, and received the National Award and the V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award for the project.

Known for films such as ‘Mandi’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Tezaab’, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Ghayal’, ‘Hum’, ‘Darr’, ‘Sardar’, ‘Aitraaz’ and ‘7 Khoon Maaf’, Kapoor has also hosted the popular television show ‘Antakshari’ and currently presents the radio programme ‘Suhaana Safar With Annu Kapoor.’ He was recently seen in ‘The Signature.’

At 70, Kapoor says he now seeks “creative satisfaction” and plans to direct one or two new projects. “Whatever I create will be genuine and pure,” he said. (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron included the title track ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’ from the Hindi blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’ in a tribute video marking the conclusion of his recent state visit to India, drawing widespread attention across social media.

The 43-second montage, shared by Macron on X after concluding his visit, offered glimpses of ceremonial welcomes, warm embraces with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, temple visits, cultural engagements and even a street jog in Mumbai.

Accompanied by a heartfelt “Thank You India!” note, the video expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to him during his trip.

However, what truly caught the attention of the Indian social media users was the song playing in the background- the energetic and widely popular ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’, the title track of ‘Dhurandhar.’

The unexpected inclusion of the track has since sparked excitement online, with fans celebrating what they see as a global nod to one of Hindi cinema’s biggest hits.

One X user wrote, “That Dhurandhar song in the background is just lit.”

Another wrote, “Nice song selection…”

A third X user commented, “Here India is the real #Dhurandhar in the world…,” while another user wrote, “Goated track. Goated leaders.”

Macron’s visit to India was marked by high-level engagements and strategic discussions. He attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi in the capital. Speaking about India-France ties, the French President said the bilateral relationship stands at its “highest point,” with both countries keen to deepen cooperation across technology, innovation and strategic sectors.

“I really believe it’s at the highest point, and we want to do much more again because it’s based on our relationship,” Macron said, underlining the strength of the partnership.

During his address at the summit, he also lauded India’s digital transformation and described its pioneering role in technology governance as a global benchmark. The visit signalled sustained momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Amid these significant diplomatic developments, the subtle cinematic reference added a cultural layer to the trip’s narrative.

‘Dhurandhar’, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead and directed by Aditya Dhar, is currently regarded as a cult blockbuster.

The film has surpassed ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.

The ensemble cast includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan in pivotal roles.

The makers are now gearing up for the sequel, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, slated for a pan-India theatrical release on March 19, 2026. The film will coincide with Eid, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi and release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

The official teaser, unveiled earlier this month, features a blood-soaked action montage charting the psychological and physical transformation of Jaskirat Singh Rangi into the spy Hamza Ali Mazari. It also offers glimpses of returning cast members Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, with T-Series handling the music, the sequel is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. (ANI)

Israel has condemned the attack on two Indian workers in Ashkelon, calling the incident “absolutely unacceptable”.

The Israeli embassy in India informed that the perpetrators have been caught and assured that justice will be delivered.

“The attack on two Indian workers yesterday in Ashkelon by delinquents is absolutely unacceptable. The Israeli police have caught the perpetrators and will bring them to justice,” the embassy said in a post on X.

A video released by the Israeli broadcaster, KAN, showed at least two men being assaulted by a group of attackers in what appears to be a public park on Wednesday.

Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed concern over the incident and urged Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to look into the matter.

In a post on X, Khera said, Yesterday, two Indian citizens were brutally attacked in Ashkelon, Israel. It was a premeditated racist assault, planned over private chats. This is not the first such attack. And sadly, it may not be the last.”

“The government’s failure to generate adequate employment at home has pushed Indian labourers to seek work in Israel. It celebrates Indo-Israel “friendship” when sending Indian labourers there. But when our people face barbaric treatment, it falls silent and shrugs off responsibility. S Jaishankar should urgently look into the matter, confirm the victim’s condition, and ensure he has access to adequate, free-of-cost medical care if required,” he added.

The incident happened ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, Khera question will PM Modi would raise the “issue of racism” during his visit.

“PM Modi is visiting Israel soon, will he raise the issue of racism and violent attacks against Indian nationals in Israel?” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel “next week,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Addressing the conference of presidents of major American Jewish organisations, Netanyahu announced PM Modi’s upcoming visit, noting a “tremendous alliance” between the two nations.

This will be PM Modi’s second visit to the country, following his 2017 visit when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. (ANI)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appreciated Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for supporting US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza and joining the Board of Peace.

He also held a meeting with the Pakistan PM and reaffirmed their strategic relationship on critical minerals development and counterterrorism.

“Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and counterterrorism,” he said.

During the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, Shehbaz Sharif showered praises on Trump for his “mediation” in the Pakistan-India conflict, calling him a “man of peace” and “saviour of the people of South Asia.”

“Your timely and very effective intervention to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan potentially averted the loss of millions of people’s lives. You have truly proved to be a man of peace and let me say you are turly saviour of the people of South Asia,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Trump reiterated his claim of saving millions of lives during the India and Pakistan conflict in 2024, stating that he threatened to impose a “200 per cent tariff” and both countries halted the conflict as there’s “nothing like money.”

Speaking at his Board of Peace, Trump also increased the number of jets that were shot down during the conflict, taking the number to 11 from his previous claims of eight.

Trump again repeated that he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the conflict, despite India’s rejection of any third-party mediation.

“He (Pakistani PM) said in front of our Chief of Staff that President Trump saved 25 million lives when he stopped the war between us and India…That war was raging. Planes were being shot down. And I got on the phone with both of them, and I knew them a little bit. I knew Prime Minister Modi very well…I called them, and I said, listen, I’m not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don’t settle this up,” Trump said.

“And all of a sudden, we worked out a deal. I said, if you fight, I’m going to put 200 per cent tariffs on each of your countries. They both wanted to fight. But when it came to money, it’s nothing like money. When it came to losing a lot of money, they said, I guess we don’t want to fight…11 jets were shot down. Very expensive jets,” he added.

Trump was referring to the conflict post-Pahalgam terror attack in April of 2024, in which 26 people were killed. India, in response to the attack, launched precise attacks on Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure under Operation Sindoor.

India has consistently refuted Trump’s claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement.

India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. (ANI)

The father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim on Thursday questioned the CBI’s investigation, alleging it’s a cover-up and the agency is not doing its job properly.

Speaking to ANI, he claimed that the High Court made a mistake by handing the case over to the CBI, saying they won’t admit their involvement in the crime.

The grieving father said, “The High Court can’t be this foolish as to hear this case in a single day and hand it over to a fool like the CBI. We are deeply saddened by this.”

The victim’s family is seeking custodial interrogation of police officers and doctors, including Sudipto Roy, who they believe are involved in the conspiracy. The CBI had arrested Sanjay Roy, who was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the victim’s family believes there’s a larger conspiracy and wants further investigation.

“Will the CBI admit its involvement? Will any thief ever confess to stealing? The people who conspired and killed my daughter will never come forward and say they killed her. The High Court has made a grave mistake by handing this case over to such an investigating agency… What can the state government say? It has been covering up this matter since day one. The Health Minister and MLA Sudipto Roy are complicit in this conspiracy. The Health Secretary is also involved. I have proof of that too”, he said.

Legal counsels representing the victim’s parents suggested a profound breakdown in trust–not just toward the local police, but now toward the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as well, suspecting systemic cover-up involving high-ranking officials across multiple institutions.

The parents’ lawyers, Rajdeep Haldar and Amartya Dey, alleged that the investigation is being intentionally steered away from the “actual” perpetrators.

The victim’s counsel, Advocate Rajdeep Haldar, stated that the entire Kolkata Police fraternity might be linked to the case, and Sanjay Roy was framed to save the actual accused. He alleged that the Kolkata Police fraternity is deeply intertwined with the matter, citing “dereliction of duty” that they believe was intentional rather than accidental.

“We have presented our application in various parts. Firstly, CBI is not investigating in the manner in which they ought to, ASI Anup Dutta, who happens to be a suspect accused in this matter, has been set free. The petitioners, the parents of the deceased victim and their counsel, feel that the entire Kolkata Police fraternity is also linked with this matter. That has been well reflected in the judgment given by the ADG First Court in Sealdah. The dereliction of duty can happen from a single police officer… Sonjay Roy has been projected as an accused to save the actual accused… In every status report, the CBI specifies that they are investigating the matter, but without any proper specification…,” said Haldar.

The CBI had arrested Sanjay Roy, who was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the victim’s family believes there’s a larger conspiracy and wants police officers and doctors taken into a custodial inquiry. They also point out inconsistencies, like Sudipto Roy’s release despite being implicated in the CBI’s report.

The counsel is now accusing the CBI of concealing the truth. They argue that the CBI’s status reports are vague and that the agency is actively objecting to petitions that seek deeper inquiries into specific doctors and officers.

Counsel claimed these individuals failed polygraph tests, yet the CBI has not moved for custodial interrogation.

“We have filed a petition to have some police officers and doctors taken into custodial inquiry. The CBI’s status report in the Supreme Court detailed their involvement, and they failed to pass the polygraph test. Following this, the CBI’s duty was to conduct a custodial inquiry, which has not yet been completed… So many days have passed. The CBI is objecting to our petition… The CBI wants to conceal the truth by any means necessary. This means the CBI is also involved in the larger conspiracy… According to the CBI report, Sudipto Roy is involved in this. A phone recording of his conversation with Sandip Ghosh was also found, based on which Sandip Ghosh was arrested. Why was Sudipto Roy released when Sandip Ghosh was arrested?” said Dey.

The RG Kar Medical College rape and murder incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar room on campus.

The case led to widespread protests and outrage across the country, with many demanding justice for the victim.

The investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the case. The CBI has since arrested several individuals. (ANI)