Kolkata, India – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant progress in the investigation of the rape and murder of a 32-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, finding new evidences that point to both tampering and negligence. The Supreme Court has also expressed serious concerns over the contents of the CBI’s latest status report.
The trainee doctor’s body was found semi-naked in the college seminar room on August 9, 2024, igniting national outrage and protests within the medical community. Initially, Kolkata Police handled the investigation, but public’s fury over alleged mishandling led to the CBI taking charge. Since taking over the case, the CBI has interrogated many individuals, including senior hospital officials and three of the victim’s batchmates.
The latest report submitted in the Supreme Court by CBI has highlighted alarming discrepancies in how the crime scene was handled. Evidence, including the seizure list and the crime scene sketch, appears to have been mismanaged, depicting the possibility of deliberate tampering. The reports of vandalism and sabotage that occurred at the hospital during protests has further increased the graveness of the matter, questioning whether or not the police maintained the crime scene.
RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and the head of the Chest Medicine Department are among those interrogated by the CBI. Both individuals were questioned extensively about their role in managing the crime scene and their actions following the discovery of the body. The CBI has also probed Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer connected to Kolkata Police, who was arrested shortly after the incident.
In a recent development, there are allegations that hospital authorities may have failed to efficiently protect the crime scene, eventually leading to evidence destruction. The CBI also raised a concern of whether the victim’s death was the result of a larger conspiracy possibly involving more individuals than initially suspected. Reports suggest that the probe has extended to explore the evident negligence on the part of hospital authorities and Kolkata Police.
Reviewing the CBI findings, the Supreme Court has remarked that the information of the report was disturbing. The court has instructed the CBI to proceed with the investigation thoroughly, addressing the concerns raised by the victim’s family. Protestors are consistently voicing the plight of women over how slow the process of investigation is. Justice is the key demand of the victim’s family and now, the entire nation’s medical community.
As the case verdict delayed further, the medical fraternity took to the streets with nationwide protests, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announcing a 24-hour strike in protest against both the crime and the subsequent sabotage at the hospital. The strike has seen doctors across India suspending non-essential services, emphasising the need for stronger safety measures for healthcare workers.
With further developments expected in the coming days, the CBI’s focus remains on uncovering the full scope of the crime and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. The next Supreme Court hearing is anticipated later this month, where more details from the CBI’s investigation will likely emerge.
