The Kolkata Police have summoned Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, and two prominent doctors (Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Subarna Goswami) accusing them of spreading misinformation and revealing sensitive details in connection with the rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The case, which has sparked widespread outrage, has seen various public figures questioning the conduct of the investigation. Ray, 75, claimed that a dog squad was sent to the crime scene three days after the victim’s body was found on August 9. However, the Kolkata Police refuted this claim, stating that a sniffer dog was deployed twice on August 9 and August 12 and accused Ray of disseminating incorrect information. In response, a summons was issued to Ray.
Ray, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the investigation, has demanded the custodial interrogation of both the former Principal of R G Kar Medical College, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. He has also called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. However, his stance has not been universally accepted within his party, with fellow Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh publicly disagreeing with Ray’s demand for the Commissioner’s interrogation.
Meanwhile, BJP’s Locket Chatterjee and the two doctors are also under scrutiny. Dr. Kunal Sarkar, a well-known cardiologist, confirmed receiving a police summons but expressed his surprise, noting that his comments on social media might have drawn unintended attention. Dr. Subarna Goswami, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Purba Bardhaman district, stated that he had not yet received a summons but expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Chatterjee, on the other hand, has criticized the police for their actions, suggesting that they should have shown similar urgency in investigating the case itself. The Kolkata Police Commissioner, Vineet Goyal, emphasized during a press conference that the rampant spread of rumors has hindered the investigation and threatened public order.
The police have also summoned 57 other individuals in connection with the case, underscoring the seriousness of the misinformation and its impact on the investigation.
Ray, one of the first Trinamool leaders to announce his participation in a nationwide protest over the incident, has reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for the victim, despite the controversies surrounding his statements.