The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata has unearthed critical evidence suggesting that false records were created at the Tala Police Station in relation to the case.
The federal agency, which was appointed by the Calcutta High Court to investigate the incident, revealed the discovery of CCTV footage from the police station, which has been sent to a central forensic lab for examination.
This development follows the CBI’s arrest and interrogation of Abhijit Mondal, the former officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station, on charges of tampering with evidence. Mondal, along with Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital who is accused of financial irregularities, has been remanded to judicial custody until September 30.
Key Suspects and Conspiracy Allegations
The CBI’s investigation has led to the arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer who was seen on CCTV footage entering the hospital room where the victim’s body was found. Roy was apprehended for his suspected role in the crime. Additionally, the agency has suggested a possible conspiracy between Mondal, Ghosh, and Roy, highlighting a suspicious two-day delay in the seizure of Roy’s clothes, which could have resulted in the contamination of material evidence.
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The CBI has not accused Mondal of direct involvement in the rape or murder, but it alleges that he may have been part of a cover-up operation to shield the actual perpetrators. The Bengal government and the Kolkata police have faced increasing scrutiny over these allegations, with critics accusing the state of attempting to protect those responsible for the crime.
Delay in Filing FIR Raises Concerns
One of the central points of concern in the case is the 14-hour delay between the discovery of the victim’s body and the filing of a police case. Both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, which took suo moto cognizance of the case, have questioned why the hospital administration, under Dr Sandip Ghosh, did not report the incident to the police immediately. This delay has raised questions about possible complicity or negligence by hospital officials.
The CBI has also pointed to multiple phone calls between Mondal and Ghosh on the day of the incident, suspecting a nexus between the two. Mondal’s lawyer, however, defended these calls, stating that it was normal for hospital officials and police to communicate during a serious crime investigation.
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Junior Doctors Continue Protests
Meanwhile, junior doctors at RG Kar Hospital have partially resumed duties after a 40-day strike, during which they demanded justice for their murdered colleague and the removal of top officials, including the state Health Secretary. The doctors have limited their return to essential and emergency services, making it clear that their agitation will continue until justice is served.
Despite three failed attempts at negotiations with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the protesting doctors remain firm in their demands, stating, “If needed, we will begin protests again.”
Ongoing Investigations and Further Arrests
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI has questioned another doctor, Birupaksha Biswas, who is reportedly close to Dr. Ghosh and part of a group known as the “North Bengal lobby.” Biswas has allegedly been involved in past incidents of threatening medical students, adding another layer of intrigue to the case.
The CBI is also investigating reports of evidence destruction and tampering connected to the case, with particular focus on the role of police and hospital authorities in the alleged cover-up. The agency’s findings so far indicate a deeply entrenched conspiracy aimed at obstructing the investigation into the tragic death of the junior doctor.
As the investigation continues, both the High Court and the Supreme Court are closely monitoring the progress of the case, demanding swift and transparent action to ensure that those responsible for the crime, as well as any attempts to shield them, are brought to justice.
