CBI to probe Kolkata doctor's rape-murder; Calcutta HC cites lapses
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court directed the case to be transferred to the CBI. It cited serious lapses in the hospital administration's response after the doctor was discovered dead in its seminar hall last Friday morning.
Court criticizes hospital administration
The court criticized the hospital administration for not being supportive of the victim or her family. The victim's parents had previously requested an independent investigation, fearing evidence tampering. "The case on hand is a peculiar case. There should be no further loss of time. There may be possibility of evidence being tampered," the court stated in its ruling.
Court slams former principal's swift reappointment
The court also criticized Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the state-run college, for his lack of proactivity. Following social media backlash over the incident, Dr Ghosh resigned from his position, only to be appointed as Principal of Calcutta National Medical College hours later. This move sparked protests from doctors questioning his swift reappointment.
Court expresses concern
The High Court expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, five days after the incident. "Even after five days there have been no significant conclusions which should have happened by now," said Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, who headed a division bench hearing a plea filed by the victim's parents.
Accused arrested, investigation underway
To recall, a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy was arrested in connection with the crime and has confessed before police. An autopsy report revealed that the woman had been bleeding from her private parts and had injury marks on other parts of her body. The family of the deceased doctor alleged that the hospital initially tried to cover up the case by calling it a suicide.
Accused misused police connections to commit crime
Roy, who had access to every part of the hospital including rooms and wards, was reportedly an outsider frequenting the hospital premises. His identity as a "police guy" also helped him in this case. The hospital authorities later expelled two security persons for not discharging their duties properly which, in a way, led to the crime.
