RG Kar case: Police ex-chief apologises in HC for naming victim
The Statesman | 18 July 2025
Former Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal today issued an apology to the court for publicly disclosing the name of the RG Kar Hospital assault victim.
Goyal submitted the written apology to the Calcutta High Court.
A division Bench comprising Justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Ajay Kumar Gupta stated that since Goyal had apologised in writing, the matter should now be closed. The court opined that there was no benefit in prolonging the issue any further.
However, Justice Mantha, offering a suggestion, said: “We will recommend that the West Bengal Judicial Academy organise a sensitisation workshop for the police. They need to be aware of what can or cannot be publicly stated — especially regarding sub-judice or sensitive matters — whether in public forums or to the media.”
Goyal had faced allegations of revealing the identity of a sexual assault victim in connection with the RG Kar incident, while he was serving as police commissioner.
In response, advocate Vijay Kumar Singhal filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the high court, arguing that disclosing the victim’s identity is a criminal offense under Supreme Court guidelines, and Goyal should face the legal consequences.
During a previous hearing, Goyal’s lawyer, Sandeepan Gangopadhyay, informed the court that his client was willing to issue a written apology. He reiterated that the RG Kar incident was deeply tragic and painful, and that Goyal had inadvertently mentioned the victim’s name on 10 August. It was unintentional, the lawyer said.
Ultimately, Justice Mantha declared that the matter should be considered resolved, noting that several aspects of the RG Kar case are still under investigation. The court then officially closed the case.