Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Sandeep Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, along with a station house officer (SHO) for their alleged roles in obstructing the investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The arrests were made on allegations that Ghosh and the police officer attempted to mislead investigators and conceal crucial evidence.
The rape and murder of the trainee doctor, which occurred on August 9 inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College, had previously incited national outrage. The CBI’s investigation into the case was prompted by the Calcutta High Court’s order, which transferred the case from the Kolkata Police to the CBI.
Key suspect Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer at the hospital, was captured on CCTV entering and leaving the seminar hall where the crime took place. Roy, who had reportedly visited Sonagachi’s red-light area and consumed alcohol on the night of August 8, was arrested based on CCTV evidence. However, a narco-analysis test on Roy could not be conducted due to his refusal to consent, as required by law.
The CBI has also scrutinized Anup Dutta, an assistant sub-inspector and member of the city police welfare board, for his alleged connections to Roy. Dutta’s relationship with Roy may have facilitated Roy’s unrestricted access to police barracks and RG Kar Medical College.
The arrests came amid ongoing protests by doctors, who had sought a live-streamed meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee refused their request, citing that the case is currently before the Supreme Court. During a meeting, she urged the protesting doctors to meet her in person and have tea, but insisted that live-streaming would only be allowed with the Supreme Court’s permission.