Kolkata doctor's rape-murder: CBI alleges evidence tampering by police
What's the story
The Central Bureau of Investigation has alleged that evidence related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was manipulated at Tala Police Station. The agency informed the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court on Wednesday about "some false records related to the case were fabricated at Tala Police Station."
New revelations
Custodial interrogation of Mandal, Ghosh
The CBI also claimed that former officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station, Abhijit Mandal, spoke to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, on August 9—the day the crime took place. During the court proceedings, the CBI officials said that the relevations were made during the custodial interrogation of Mandal and Ghosh.
Court proceedings
CBI seeks in-camera hearing, Mandal's counsel argues against custody
The agency has seized CCTV footage from the police station for examination by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Kolkata. The CBI opposed Mandal's bail application, pushing for his continued custody due to these revelations. The CBI has also requested an in-camera hearing due to protest activities within the court. In response, Mandal's counsel argued that there were no grounds for his continued custody.
Legal arguments
Former principal Ghosh's role under scrutiny
He stated that the complaint was received at 9:30am on the day of the crime and he responded by 10:30am. The counsel also pointed out that conspiracy charge against Mandal is bailable and no direct clause implicating him in evidence destruction or tampering was added. Former princial of RG Kar hopsital Ghosh is also under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the case. His lawyer argued that Ghosh cannot be held responsible for reporting incidents that occurred in the hospital.
Investigation progress
CBI alleges 'unnecessary delay' in seizure of prime accused's belongings
"If something happens in the college, it is my client's responsibility to report it...any incident in the hospital falls under purview of Medical Superintendent," said Ghosh's lawyer. Separately, the CBI has alleged a two-day "unnecessary delay" in seizing prime accused Sanjay Roy's belongings, which could have provided key evidence. Roy was arrested the day after the incident when "his role in the crime had already emerged." The agency is now investigating possible conspiracy links between Roy, Ghosh, and Mandal.