CBI questions ex-principal who dismissed Kolkata doctor's rape-murder as 'suicide'
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday interrogated Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with the rape and murder of the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor. Ghosh was taken to the CGO complex in Salt Lake for questioning, The Telegraph reported, CBI sources. Former hospital superintendent Sanjiv Vashishth and chest department head Arunabha Dutta Chowdhury have also been summoned for questioning.
Why does this story matter?
The Calcutta High Court had ordered a court-monitored investigation into the rape and murder case on Tuesday, while severely criticizing Ghosh and the state administration. The court observed that Ghosh should have been the first person to be questioned. The court also called the rape and murder "so gruesome." Initially, Ghosh had allegedly tried to dismiss the case as suicide, stating that "it was irresponsible of the girl to go to the seminar hall alone at night."
Ghosh's previous evasions and court involvement
Ghosh had previously avoided multiple summons for questioning by the central probe agency. Following a notice served to him on Thursday, he sought protection from the high court through his legal counsel, citing threats to his life. When his counsel informed the court about a potential threat to his residence, the court responded, "Let him rest at home. State is with you, they will give you 4-500 police people. Or you make an application, we will give you central forces."
Ghosh's controversial leadership and subsequent transfer
Several students had alleged that Ghosh ran the college through his coterie, bribes were accepted for leaking questions, and disposal of hospital waste. Ghosh resigned from his post as principal of the medical college last week following public pressure. However, within hours, the government transferred him to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital to serve as principal. The same day, a division bench of the Calcutta high court ordered Ghosh to go on leave.
