The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been directed to take over the investigation into the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision was made by the Calcutta High Court following concerns about the hospital administration’s handling of the case and potential tampering of evidence.
Court’s Decision and Observations
- The Calcutta High Court noted serious lapses in how the hospital responded after the doctor’s body was found in a seminar hall, raising concerns about the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
- The court emphasized the need for an independent investigation, as the victim’s parents feared that evidence might be tampered with.
- The High Court criticized Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, for not being proactive. His swift reassignment as Principal of another medical college shortly after his resignation sparked protests among the medical community.
Dr. Ghosh’s Controversial Reassignment
- Dr. Ghosh resigned from his position, citing humiliation on social media following the doctor’s rape-murder. However, within hours, he was appointed as the Principal of Calcutta National Medical College.
- The court questioned the urgency behind his new appointment and suggested that he should have been relieved of his duties entirely, given the circumstances of his resignation.
Concerns Over Evidence Tampering
- The High Court expressed concerns that evidence could be destroyed or tampered with if the investigation remained under the state police.
- It was highlighted that, even after five days, the state police had not made significant progress in the case, justifying the transfer to the CBI.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
- The decision to transfer the case to the CBI comes amid growing demands from opposition parties, led by the BJP, for a central agency probe. They warned that a state police investigation might lead to tampering with evidence.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously stated that if the state police failed to make progress by Sunday, the government would consider recommending a CBI probe, in line with the wishes of the victim’s family.
