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Synopsis

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the alleged rape and murder of a young girl on April 20 in Kaliaganj, in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

The single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha was hearing a petition filed by the victim's father.

Court ordered the formation of SIT which will include a retired additional director of the CBI, Pankaj Dutta, a former IG-rank officer of the West Bengal Police, and a special commissioner of the Kolkata Police, to investigate the 17-year-old's unnatural death.

According to the report in the Indian Express, Justice Mantha stated that the team will conduct the investigation under the direct supervision of the High Court.

Further, Justice Mantha also imposed a restriction on SIT members discussing anything pertaining to the case in public.

Furthermore, the court also ordered the SIT to arrange for a second autopsy of the victim if the members of the team believe it is required. He also ordered the state police to hand over all case materials, including the case diary, to the SIT. The police have also been ordered to produce their preliminary investigation report on the case before the next hearing date on June 28, 2023.

Lastly, the court directed the police officials to make security arrangements for the victim’s family.

On April 28, 2023, the court ordered West Bengal police to submit a progress report on their investigation into the present matter.