Kolkata rape-murder: CBI questions doctor part of 'North Bengal lobby'
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun questioning Dr. Birupaksha Biswas, a close associate of former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, in connection with the August 9 rape and murder case at the facility. Biswas was recently transferred from Burdwan Medical College and Hospital to Kakdwip Hospital in South 24 Parganas district by the West Bengal government. He appeared before CBI officers at their CGO Complex office in Salt Lake area, Kolkata on Saturday.
Biswas's presence at RG Kar Hospital questioned
A CBI officer stated that Biswas is being questioned about his presence at the RG Kar Hospital on August 9 despite having no engagement. The officer also revealed that Biswas is part of a so-called North Bengal lobby operational in medical colleges of the state. This group, as claimed by medics, consists of doctors and officials who allegedly threatened students at government-run medical establishments in West Bengal.
FIR against Biswas and 2 other doctors
Biswas, along with two other doctors - Avik De and Ranjit Saha - have been named in an FIR for allegedly threatening students at various medical colleges and hospitals across West Bengal. They have been booked under Section 351 (assault as making a gesture or preparation causing someone to believe that they are about to be subjected to criminal force) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the new penal code.
Ghosh's role in financial irregularities and evidence tampering
Ghosh, who was removed from his position at RG Kar and later suspended, is being probed by CBI for his role in alleged financial irregularities at the institute. He is also under investigation for having delayed the FIR in the rape-murder case by 'at least 14 hours.' Additionally, Ghosh is suspected to be part of a 'conspiracy' hatched to destroy evidence in this case.
Junior doctors partially withdraw strike amid flood crisis
In related news, junior doctors in West Bengal decided to partially withdraw their strike and resume essential services on Thursday evening. This decision came after chief secretary Manoj Pant issued a set of 10 directives to ensure the safety, security and efficient functioning of the state health care system. The doctors have given a seven-day ultimatum to the government to implement these directives, with the Supreme Court likely to hear the matter next on September 27.
