Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: New Developments and Controversies

Journalist

Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: New Developments and Controversies

Kolkata: A recent development in the tragic case of the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered has intensified the controversy surrounding the investigation. A letter, allegedly signed by Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Hospital, has surfaced, suggesting an attempt to alter the crime scene. The letter, dated August 10—just one day after the victim’s death—directed urgent repairs and renovations of the on-duty doctors' rooms and attached toilets at RG Kar Hospital. BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the timing of the order in a post on X, questioning the integrity of the investigation and reiterating the party's demand for the chief minister's resignation. However, it has not independently verified the authenticity of the letter.

Fresh Developments:

TMC Denies Cover-Up: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has refuted allegations of a police cover-up made by the victim's parents. They presented a video showing the family’s earlier satisfaction with the investigation, but the family contends that the video was recorded under duress by the police shortly after the victim’s cremation.
Family Accuses Police: The family, who joined protesting doctors at RG Kar Hospital on Wednesday night, accused Kolkata Police of attempting to suppress the case by hastening the cremation of the body.
TMC Urges National Action: TMC leader Kunal Ghosh called on President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the broader issue of crimes against women, citing an average of 90 such cases daily across the country.
No Progress from CBI: West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, a senior TMC leader, expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress or communication from the CBI, despite the Kolkata Police having handed over all relevant documents 23 days ago.
Arrests and Protests: The body of the trainee doctor was discovered on August 9 in the seminar room of RG Kar Hospital, leading to nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after, and the CBI has detained Sandip Ghosh for alleged financial misconduct related to the medical institution.