In the ongoing investigation into the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its efforts. On Tuesday, CBI officials conducted extended interrogations of several suspects, including Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of the medical college, Sanjay Roy, a civic police volunteer arrested on August 10, and Anup Dutta, an assistant sub-inspector of Kolkata Police, at the CBI’s Salt Lake CGO Complex office.
The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the case and instructed the CBI to file a status report by August 22. This development follows a petition by the victim’s parents, who expressed dissatisfaction with the local police’s handling of the case. The Calcutta High Court had previously transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 13.
The CBI’s scrutiny of Dutta and Roy is centered around allegations that they may have facilitated Roy’s access to police facilities and a motorcycle, which could have enabled him to reach the hospital’s restricted areas. Dutta, a member of the Kolkata Police Welfare Committee, was questioned for the second time. The committee’s role in hospital visits may explain how Roy entered RG Kar Hospital but does not clarify his presence in the third-floor seminar hall, where the victim’s body was discovered. The post-mortem report indicates the crime occurred between 3 and 5 a.m., a time when access to hospital wards is typically restricted.
The Supreme Court has also directed the West Bengal government to file a status report on vandalism incidents that occurred at the hospital following the murder. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud stated that the CBI and state authorities must report on their progress by August 22.
The victim’s family has expressed relief at the Supreme Court’s intervention, with the father noting that West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has offered his support. Bose is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Delhi.
In Kolkata, protests by citizens and junior doctors continue, reflecting growing unrest over the handling of the case. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has renewed its call for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, criticizing her for overseeing both the health and home departments. BJP Bengal unit president Sukanta Majumdar demanded that Banerjee and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal step down.
The ruling Trinamool Congress has maintained silence on the Supreme Court’s order but acknowledged the increased pressure on the CBI to resolve the case swiftly.
Sources By Agencies
