In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, former principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and the Station House Officer (SHO) initially responsible for the case. The arrests came following allegations that they attempted to mislead investigators and conceal evidence.
Dr. Sandip Ghosh and the SHO allegedly attempted to sabotage the investigation into the rape and murder of the junior doctor, an incident that had ignited nationwide outrage. These arrests followed hours after protesting doctors returned from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence without a meeting, as she declined their request for a live-streamed session.
Accusations Against Dr. Sandip Ghosh
The CBI has intensified its investigation into Dr. Ghosh, who was already under scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities. Rape and murder charges have now been added against him, deepening his involvement in the case.
The Bengal government had controversially appointed Dr. Ghosh to lead Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital despite his resignation from RG Kar Medical College, further fueling protests.
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The victim, a trainee doctor, was found raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The main suspect, Sanjay Roy, was captured on CCTV entering and leaving the seminar hall. While the CBI conducted a polygraph test on Roy, they could not proceed with a narco-analysis due to his refusal, which is a legal prerequisite for such tests.
Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer at the hospital, was arrested based on CCTV footage. He was reported to have visited Kolkata’s red-light area, Sonagachi, the night before the crime, consuming alcohol and visiting two brothels before arriving at the hospital past midnight.
Kolkata High Court Orders CBI Takeover
The investigation, initially handled by the Kolkata Police, was transferred to the CBI following an order from the Calcutta High Court. During their inquiry, the CBI questioned Anup Dutta, an assistant sub-inspector and city police welfare board member, whose connection to Roy suggested how Roy might have had unrestricted access to police barracks and RG Kar Medical College premises.
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The arrests coincided with ongoing protests by doctors demanding a live-streamed discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the case. However, Banerjee refused the live-stream request, citing that the RG Kar Medical College case is currently under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
“I am requesting, please come and talk as you had requested for today’s meeting. At least come and have tea with me. Why are you disrespecting me? I keep waiting, but it seems you don’t want to meet. Forget politics for now… I will sign the minutes of the meeting, but there will be no live-streaming. It can happen only after Supreme Court permission,” Mamata Banerjee stated.
