On August 23, 2024, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation into alleged financial corruption at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision is tied to the ongoing investigation into the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital, which has already shaken West Bengal.
The High Court’s order is a significant blow to the West Bengal government, which had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on August 20 to probe the corruption allegations. The SIT had registered cases against the former principal of the hospital, Sandip Kumar Ghosh. However, the court deemed it more appropriate for the CBI to handle the investigation, considering the serious nature of the allegations and the potential overlap in investigations.
Judicial Developments in the Rape-Murder Case
The same day, a Kolkata Court extended the judicial custody of Sanjay Roy, the prime accused in the rape and murder case, until September 6. Roy, a civic police volunteer, was apprehended by Kolkata Police on August 10, just one day after the crime occurred. Following the handover of the case to the CBI on August 13, Roy has been under the agency’s custody.
In a move that could further unravel the details surrounding the case, the CBI received court approval to conduct a polygraph test on Roy, as well as on six others, including Dr. Ghosh and four doctors who had dinner with the victim on the night of August 9. The polygraph test is expected to shed more light on the possible involvement of these individuals in the events leading up to the crime or any subsequent cover-up.
High Court’s Concerns Over SIT’s Delayed Formation
The High Court questioned why the state government did not establish the SIT earlier, as the corruption allegations first surfaced in 2023. The court expressed concern that having multiple agencies investigating overlapping aspects of the case could lead to delays and inefficiencies.
Ongoing Protests and Political Unrest
Meanwhile, West Bengal Health Secretary N.S. Nigam urged protesting resident doctors to resume work, emphasizing that the protests are severely impacting health services across the state. Despite this, the agitation continues, with the West Bengal Joint Doctor Forum (WBJDF) visiting the CBI’s office to press for a thorough investigation and justice for the victim.
The victim’s family has voiced frustration over the pace of the investigation, noting that no additional arrests have been made since the CBI took over the case.
On the political front, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized protests across the state, leading to violent clashes in places like Nandigram and Jalpaiguri. Several student organizations have also planned a march to the State Secretariat, Nabanna, on August 27, challenging the government’s handling of the situation.
Despite the West Bengal government’s attempts to seek judicial intervention to prevent the march, the Calcutta High Court refused to interfere, pointing out that the protests were being organized by civil society groups unaffiliated with political parties.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has accused the state government of attempting to stifle dissent, highlighting an order from the School Education Department aimed at preventing students from participating in unauthorized events.
As the investigations and protests continue, the situation remains tense, with the state’s political and social landscape deeply affected by the tragic events at RG Kar Medical College.