The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken charge of the investigation into the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following a directive from the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday.
The CBI has re-registered the First Information Report (FIR) initially filed by the Kolkata Police as its own case, marking the beginning of its investigation.
A team of CBI officials, along with forensic scientists and medical experts from Delhi, is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on Wednesday to conduct a thorough examination. The team is expected to review the autopsy report and any available videography, as well as visit the crime scene where the doctor’s body was discovered.
The Calcutta High Court’s decision to hand over the case to the CBI was prompted by concerns over significant lapses in the hospital administration’s handling of the situation after the doctor was found dead on Friday morning. The victim’s parents had requested an independent investigation to ensure that evidence was not tampered with.
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The court criticized Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the hospital, for his lack of proactive measures following the incident. Despite stepping down from his role amid social media backlash, Dr. Ghosh was swiftly reassigned as Principal of Calcutta National Medical College, sparking protests and further scrutiny.
The High Court condemned the state government’s decision to reappoint Dr. Ghosh, highlighting that the urgency of the move was questionable given the circumstances. The court emphasized that Dr. Ghosh should have been the first person to have his statement recorded by investigators, questioning why he appeared to be protected from scrutiny.
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The court expressed its disappointment with the hospital administration’s response, stating that the institution had failed to support the victim and her family. Given the possibility of evidence tampering, the court determined that the investigation must be expedited and transferred to the CBI immediately.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier set a deadline for the Kolkata Police to complete their investigation, with the option of a CBI probe if requested by the victim’s family. The case has drawn widespread attention and criticism, with opposition parties, including the BJP, calling for a central agency investigation to ensure justice and prevent tampering of evidence.
