A team of CBI officers arrived in Kolkata early this morning to assume control of the investigation into the death of a postgraduate trainee doctor, following a Calcutta High Court order to transfer the case from the Kolkata Police.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering:
Authorities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital are under scrutiny for allegedly tampering with evidence. Renovation work has begun near the seminar room where the doctor’s body was discovered. Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, the victim’s family lawyer, told the Indian Express, “Without the assistance of the PWD and the state government’s approval, the medical college authorities cannot demolish or construct anything.”
Controversial Handling of Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh:
The High Court has questioned the handling of RG Kar principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who initially dismissed the case as a suicide and criticized the victim for being in the seminar hall alone at night. Despite resigning under pressure, Ghosh was quickly appointed Principal at another hospital, raising concerns about the perceived leniency in his treatment.
Issues with Civic Volunteers:
The Telegraph highlights issues with the civic volunteer system, introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over a decade ago. With over 1.19 lakh volunteers recruited from the state’s unemployed youth and paid Rs 9,000 per month, critics argue that these volunteers are poorly trained in law, policing, and human rights. The arrested suspect, a civic volunteer with unrestricted access to RG Kar Hospital, underscores the concerns about this informal policing system.
Questions of Gang Rape:
The Print reports that the petition filed before the Calcutta High Court raises serious questions about the possibility of gang rape. The postmortem report revealed the presence of 150 mg of semen in the hymen, suggesting involvement by more than one individual. Dr. Subarna Goswami, who viewed the report with the victim’s family, stated, “It is clear that this is not the work of a single individual… she was gang-raped.”
Sources: PTI, The Telegraph, Indian Express, The Print