The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has escalated its examination of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata redirecting its focus onto several aspects of the case and individuals involved.
On August 9, the partially clothed body of the 31-year-old doctor was discovered in the hospital’s seminar hall. Recently, the CBI questioned Abhishek Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police’s North Division, indicating the first time a senior police officer has been part of the investigation. Gupta was questioned regarding police actions after the information came in at the outpost located within the hospital about the death and the vandalism incident that occurred on August 14, when a mob surged into the hospital.
The probe also extends to several others and doctors, including Birupaksha Biswas, who is reportedly associated with a ‘North Bengal lobby,’ which operates in medical colleges throughout the state, and has been known to threaten students. Biswas was recorded at the hospital the same day the incident occurred and was not working there officially, prompting the CBI to question his role and movements.
This case has led to mass outrage, together with protests backing medical staff and students against the incident. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the destruction of property at the hospital and called a 24-hour nationwide strike, asking people of the country to support the cause of doctors. The CBI is now also questioning a few other doctors and hospital staff to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to the victim’s body being found.
The CBI’s questioning of Birupaksha Biswas and other doctors linked to the so-called ‘North Bengal lobby’ highlights a deeper investigation into allegations of threats and intimidation against students in state-run medical colleges. Biswas, along with two other doctors, has been booked under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for allegedly threatening students.
