rg-kar-victim-might-have-resisted-despite-no-evidence

A CBI officer, who wished to remain anonymous, in an exclusive talk with News Arena India, clarified on Wednesday that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory’s (CFSL) report indicating 'no evidence of resistance' at the crime scene in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case does not eliminate the 'possibility of a struggle'.

The CFSL report, provided to the CBI on August 11, is among the exhibits in the ongoing trial. The officer assured that the report does not suggest any oversight by the investigators.

The report resurfaced on social media recently, triggering theories that the victim, a trainee doctor, may have been assaulted and murdered elsewhere before her body was found in the seminar room on 9 August. However, the CBI dismissed such speculation.

“We have submitted the chargesheet based on biological, scientific, and digital evidence, as well as statements from 70 witnesses. The CFSL’s opinion is just one possibility,” said the officer.

The 12-page CFSL report noted the absence of evidence of struggle in the area of occurrence, including the wooden stage mattress and its surroundings. However, the CBI maintains that this does not negate the likelihood of resistance during the attack.

“The victim was likely attacked while asleep. She was strangled, rendering her unconscious. During the assault, she regained consciousness but was fatally strangled, smashing her windpipe. Any resistance may not have left discernible marks on the scene,” the officer explained.

The CFSL also observed a "less possibility" of someone entering the third-floor seminar hall unnoticed. Yet, the CBI argued this makes the theory of the victim being attacked elsewhere and her body transported there even more implausible.

“If it was improbable for someone to enter unnoticed, it would be even harder to carry the body through CCTV-monitored corridors leading to the seminar hall,” the officer added.

The CFSL’s findings were derived from multiple visits to the crime scene and a judicial inquest, videographed in the presence of forensic doctors, junior doctors’ representatives, and the police.

A 14-member multi-institutional medical board, including forensic experts, senior doctors, and scientists, was also formed to examine the findings.

Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, remains the sole accused in the case.