The Calcutta High Court stated that under “normal circumstances,” it would have allowed the state police more time, but it observed that no significant conclusions have been reached.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has ordered that the investigation into the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision follows the court’s observation of significant lapses in the hospital administration’s actions after the doctor was found dead in the seminar hall last Friday, with her clothes disheveled and her body bearing multiple injuries.
The victim’s parents had requested an independent investigation to prevent any tampering with evidence, a plea the court acknowledged in its ruling. The court expressed strong criticism of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the state-run college, describing it as “disheartening” that he was not more “proactive” in his duties.
The court also raised concerns about Dr. Ghosh being reassigned as the Principal of Calcutta National Medical College just hours after his resignation from RG Kar, following widespread outrage on social media. The court ordered that Dr. Ghosh be immediately relieved of his new role and placed on leave, questioning the urgency behind his reappointment.
“The appropriate authority should have considered the circumstances under which the resignation was tendered,” the court stated, adding that even if the resignation had not been accepted, the least that should have been done was to relieve Dr. Ghosh of his administrative duties and not assign him to another position of equal responsibility.
The court also emphasized that Dr. Ghosh should have been the first person whose statement was recorded by investigators. “While we do not question his professional skills, as the Principal, he is also an administrator. His statement should have been taken—why was he protected? Something seems amiss,” the court remarked.
The court further noted that the hospital administration appeared to be indifferent to the victim and her family’s plight. “This is a peculiar case that demands urgency. Any delay could lead to the tampering of evidence,” the court warned.
Given the lack of significant progress by the state police after five days, the court ruled that it was justified in transferring the case to the CBI. “There is a real possibility that evidence could be destroyed. Therefore, the case must be transferred to the CBI immediately,” the court concluded.
Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had stated that the Kolkata Police must complete their investigation by Sunday, or the state government would recommend a CBI probe if the victim’s parents desired it. The opposition, led by the BJP, had also called for a CBI investigation, warning that a state police probe could lead to evidence tampering in a case that has shocked the entire nation.
