All About Women CBI Officials Leading Kolkata Rape-Murder Case After Hathras

In the wake of the horrifying rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has stepped in to ensure a thorough and impartial probe. The case, which has sparked widespread protests and demands for justice across the nation, is now under the watchful eyes of two of the CBI's most respected officers—Sampat Meena and Seema Pahuja. These women have previously led investigations in some of the country’s most infamous cases, including the 2020 Hathras rape-murder and the 2017 Unnao rape, earning significant recognition for their efforts.

Sampat Meena: Past Cases, Career And More

Sampat Meena, an Additional Director of the CBI, is a seasoned investigator with a distinguished career marked by her commitment to women's rights and human dignity. A 1994 batch IPS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, Meena has made a name for herself as a formidable force in law enforcement. Hailing from Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, she carries forward a legacy of public service, with her father being a retired IPS officer and her husband, Surendra Singh, serving as an IAS officer of the 1993 batch from Jharkhand.

In August 2023, Meena was promoted to Additional Director of the CBI. Her journey with the CBI began in September 2017 when she joined on deputation. Due to her exceptional performance, her tenure was extended by two years, allowing her to continue her service until September 2024. Before taking up her current role, Meena served as the Joint Director of the CBI’s Lucknow zone, where she led critical investigations, including high-profile crimes and complex cases.

One of Meena's most momentous contributions was in "Operation Muskaan’’, as reported by the Deccan Chronicle. This was a nationwide initiative launched by the Union Home Ministry to rescue and rehabilitate missing children. Under her guidance, over 700 children were reunited with their families. Her work in Jharkhand, particularly in Naxal-affected districts, further exemplifies her dedication to public service. As the first woman IPS officer to serve as SSP in Ranchi, she took on challenging roles in districts such as Dhanbad, Ranchi, Deoghar, and Jamtara. In 2000 she secured the Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Medal for meritorious service for the same.

Meena’s expertise was also of service in the 2020 Hathras case, where a 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped by four upper-caste men. The case, marred by controversy and the handling of the victim’s cremation by the Uttar Pradesh administration, eventually came under Meena’s purview, leading to an investigation by the CBI. Her role in securing a conviction in the 2017 Unnao rape case, where a 17-year-old Dalit girl was raped by expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, further highlights her capacity for securing justice. In recognition of her exemplary service, Meena was awarded the President’s Police Medal in 2021.

Seema Pahuja: Past Cases, Career And More

Seema Pahuja, an Additional Superintendent of Police in the CBI, is another key figure in the Kolkata case. Known for her sharp investigative skills and integrity, Pahuja has built a reputation as one of the agency’s most capable officers, especially in handling complex cases under the Special Crime Unit.

As per TV9 Bharatvarsh, Pahuja’s career began in 1993 when she joined the Delhi Police as a sub-inspector. Her dedication and skill soon earned her a promotion to Inspector in 1998, and by 2013, she had risen to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Throughout her career, Pahuja has handled a wide array of cases, from human trafficking and religious conversions to heinous crimes like murder and child exploitation.

One of Pahuja’s most challenging cases was in 2017 in Himachal Pradesh. Known as the Gudiya case, it involved the rape and murder of a Class 10 student. The case, which deeply shocked the region, required advanced DNA technology and extensive investigative work to crack. Pahuja’s team meticulously questioned over 1,000 locals and conducted DNA tests on more than 250 individuals, eventually leading to the identification and conviction of the accused, a woodcutter named Anil Kumar. He was sentenced to life in 2021.

Pahuja’s commitment to her work was so profound that even when she considered voluntary retirement to focus on her family, the then CBI Director persuaded her to stay, assigning her to the Anti-Corruption Bureau as reported by NDTV. Her expertise was again called upon in the 2020 Hathras gang rape case, where her use of scientific technology was crucial in bringing the investigation to a close. Over her career, Pahuja has been recognized with two gold medals for her exceptional investigative work between 2007 and 2018.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Justice In Kolkata

As the CBI takes charge of the Kolkata rape-murder case, the involvement of officers like Sampat Meena and Seema Pahuja brings a sense of hope that justice will be served. Their track record in handling sensitive and high-profile cases assures the nation that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and driven by a commitment to truth and justice. The outcome of this case will not only be a test of the legal system but also a testament to the resilience and dedication of the women leading the charge.