Kolkata, Dec 27: A report by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) over the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August this year, which surfaced earlier this week, has clearly stated that the confidentiality factor of the post-mortem process of the body of the victim was totally compromised and standard protocols were not followed during that process.

“Upon perusal of the videography of the PM Examination, it has been observed that there was presence of many persons inside the autopsy hall and few of them were taking photographs and videos on their personal mobiles which is against the standard and accepted protocol and practice for maintaining the confidentiality of the case and the dignity of the deceased,” the seventh point mention in the CSFL report read.

The CSFL report has maintained that the injury report of the deceased was basically prepared for pronunciation of death (i.e. brought dead) since it does not mention any detailed examination findings pertaining to injuries.

“After preparation of the Injury Certificate the body was sent for Postmortem examination. Perusal of the Magistrate inquest report shows that most of the findings were consistent with the PM report,” the CSFL report read.

The CFSL has suggested further research to be exactly sure whether the crime of rape and murder was accomplished by one or there were partners in the crime.

As per the contents of the report, while the possibility of involvement of just one accused cannot be ruled out, further research based on different past scientific reports by experts in similar cases can lead to the final conclusion on whether more than one person was involved in the crime.

Till now the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed just one charge sheet in the case where civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been identified as “sole prime accused” in the crime of rape and murder.

On the morning of August 9 this year, the body of the victim was spotted at the seminar hall within the hospital premises of R.G. Kar. Accordingly, first the Kolkata Police and subsequently the CBI carried out the investigation considering the seminar hall as the “scene of crime”.

However, the report of the CFSL, which was submitted to the CBI clearly stated that there was no evident sign of a scuffle within the seminar room.

At the same time, the CFSL report has clearly stated that most of the wounds that were traced on the body of the victim was the result of her attempts to resist the rape.

Kochi, Dec 27: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to expedite the acquisition of two estates identified for rehabilitating families affected by the Wayanad landslides. Delays in acquiring these estates have hindered the construction of proposed townships for the displaced families.

The Wayanad district authorities had earmarked the Harrison Malayalam Estate (65.41 acres) in Nedumbala, Meppadi Grama Panchayat, and Elston Estate (78.73 acres) in Kalpetta for the project. The court issued its directive under the Disaster Management Act, enabling the government to move forward with the acquisitions while ensuring fair compensation to the landowners.

The landowners had previously approached the court seeking a stay on the acquisition. The High Court’s decision comes after months of inaction since the devastating landslide in July, which claimed 231 lives, left 47 missing, and caused widespread destruction across four villages. The disaster destroyed 145 homes completely, partially damaged 170, rendered 240 uninhabitable, and washed away 183.

Following the verdict, State Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that the government is prepared to fast-track the rehabilitation efforts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will oversee the implementation of the project, which includes the construction of approximately 1,000 single-storey houses, each measuring 1,000 square feet, across the two identified sites.

“The list of sponsors willing to cooperate with the government is ready, and we will coordinate all efforts to accelerate rehabilitation,” said Rajan.

Despite the court’s approval, challenges remain. The estate owners may approach the division bench for further relief, and the project also requires approval from the Union government.

The landslides that struck hilly areas of Wayanad district on July 30 when most residents were asleep, were the worst disaster to hit Kerala since 2018.

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 27: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Friday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a condolence meeting organised at the CPED grounds in his honour.

The Karnataka government announced seven days of mourning and also declared a one-day holiday for schools and colleges in the backdrop of the demise of the former Prime Minister who passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday night.

The party also cancelled its ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ convention scheduled to take place on Saturday.

The convention was planned as part of the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi taking over as the President of the Congress.

On the same platform, a condolence meeting was organised on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh was one of the world’s greatest economic experts who shaped the nation’s economy with the interests of the middle and poor classes in mind.”

“Dr. Manmohan Singh once remarked, ‘I may not receive much recognition for my work while I am alive, but in the future, our efforts will be valued greatly’”, CM Siddaramaiah recounted.

“When we look at Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life journey, it fills us with amazement. Born into an extremely poor family, he rose to become one of the greatest economic experts the world has seen and served as the country’s Prime Minister twice,” he stated.

“There may be other great economic experts, but he stood out for his soft-spoken nature, restrained language, and his efforts to shape the nation’s economy with a focus on the welfare of the middle and poor classes,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“I had the opportunity to meet him several times. He would patiently listen to our views and then offer his honest opinions,” he remembered.

“He did justice to every role he held. Whether as RBI Governor, Finance Minister, or the country’s Prime Minister for ten years, he served with utmost sincerity and integrity,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“Sonia Gandhi declined the post of Prime Minister and chose Dr. Manmohan Singh for the position. For ten years, he led the nation with great strength and stability,” the CM said.

“When India was facing an economic crisis, he implemented liberalisation policies and lifted the country economically. Before Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country’s economy was not integrated with the global economy. By opening it up, he infused new life into the nation’s economic landscape,” CM Siddaramaiah stressed.

“He implemented the fundamental ideals of our Constitution in letter and spirit,” CM Siddaramaiah added. “Through initiatives like the Food Security Act, the Right to Education Act, and Right to Information Act, he uplifted the poor and middle classes economically and socially,” he stated.

“His passing is a loss not only to India but to the global economic community. When we established the Ambedkar School of Economics, we invited Dr. Manmohan Singh. He also attended a programme on Karnataka’s economy during our term and appreciated the robust state of our finances. His knowledge helped find solutions to many of India’s challenges,” he stated.

“He was someone who could precisely understand and resolve the country’s economic issues. Despite his immense knowledge, he remained humble and gracious,” the CM stated.