The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe social media posts that circulated offensive content, including images of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim. The order came during a hearing of a petition concerning the spread of disturbing posts about the victim.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice H Bhattacharyya reviewed the social media content presented by the petitioner’s counsel and issued a notice to the CBI. “Since CBI has taken over the investigation, they should examine these posts. Very nasty comments are written with the victim’s image. We will ask the advocate to serve copies. You (CBI) examine this. We will list the matter for September 18,” the Bench remarked.
The Court also questioned the mechanisms in place to regulate such posts, noting the damage they could cause to the state’s social fabric. The petitioner’s counsel argued that despite previous court orders, the local police had failed to curb the spread of harmful content.
In response, the Court ordered the CBI to investigate and submit a report by September 18. The Supreme Court had previously directed all social media and news platforms to remove the victim’s name, images, and related content to protect her identity and privacy.