In a significant development, a designated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has denied bail to Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital. The court observed that the nature and severity of the charges against Ghosh could lead to capital punishment if proven.
Sandip Ghosh, along with Abhijit Mondal, the former officer in charge of Tala police station, was arrested by the CBI for allegedly tampering with evidence and delaying the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) related to the horrific crime on August 9, 2024. Both men are accused of obstructing the investigation into the doctor’s brutal rape and murder, which took place within the premises of the state-run hospital.
Court’s Observations on the Case
The order, dictated by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate S. Dey on September 25, emphasized the gravity of the accusations. “The nature and gravity of the accusation is grave and if proved, it may attract capital punishment, which is handed in the rarest of rare cases,” stated the judge.
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Further elaborating, the court expressed concerns over granting bail in such a high-profile and sensitive case. “It would be injustice flouting the principle of equity to release the accused on bail,” the judge said. He also noted that a person might commit an offense with the help of others, even if they were not physically present at the crime scene.
Investigation in Full Swing
The CBI’s investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the court recognized the central agency’s efforts. “It appears from the case diary that the process of investigation by the central probe agency is in full swing,” the order noted. The bail prayer for both Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal was denied, with the court granting the CBI’s plea for their judicial custody until September 30, 2024.
Defense Claims Foul Play
The legal team of Sandip Ghosh argued that he had been falsely implicated in the case, asserting that there was no direct involvement or criminal act on his part. However, the court rejected this claim, citing the gravity of the allegations and the potential for a severe penalty if the charges are proven.
The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor, who was found in the hospital’s seminar hall on August 9, bore severe injuries. This tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice and accountability from the medical community and the public alike.
