Mamata Banerjee offers to transfer doctor’s rape-murder investigation to CBI under certain conditions

Kolkata:

The authorities will have until Sunday to resolve the assault-homicide case of a 31-year-old physician at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College last week, or else the CBI will take over the investigation, as per Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement on Monday afternoon. The cutoff date for the local law enforcement – whom Ms Banerjee supported and commended as “the finest in the world” – arrives amidst substantial political pressure from the BJP.

“If there are additional suspects… and not all are apprehended by Sunday… we will transfer the matter to the CBI,” the Chief Minister mentioned after meeting with the victim’s family, and included a taunt towards the national agency, which is affiliated with the BJP.

“… we will hand over despite their low success rate,” she remarked, alluding to investigations handled by the CBI, such as the robbery of Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel Prize, which have not seen “any justice till date..”

Just last week, the Chief Minister indicated that she has no issue with the CBI – which answers to the BJP-led central government – leading this case, especially if it was the request of protesting medical practitioners. “… if protesting students desire an inquiry by a different organization, we have no objections.”

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, following Ms Banerjee’s ultimatum, delineated the measures being implemented by the authorities to resolve this offense. “We are confident… within the next four or five days, if there are additional perpetrators, we will be able to apprehend them,” he stated, “We have initiated a helpline… physicians can provide information by calling (and) can convey anonymously… if they suspect anything.”

“We are maintaining contact with relatives. We will remain in touch and update them on progress… If, even after that, the family remains unsatisfied then whatever madam (Ms. Banerjee) has stated will occur,” he added.

The physician was discovered on Friday morning in the lecture hall of the government-owned hospital.

The preliminary post-mortem report indicated that the victim was bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and intimate areas, as well as on her left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips.

Sanjoy Roy, a municipal volunteer who frequented the hospital, has been apprehended in connection with the offense. The incident has incited nationwide protests by physicians and the political opposition.

The individual, Sanjoy Roy, had returned home and went to sleep before laundering his garments the next day to eliminate evidence, as claimed by a law enforcement officer investigating the case.

This morning, the Principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who has been accused of victim-blaming, stepped down, stating that he “cannot endure the humiliation” and alleged “political remarks” against him.

“Students are being instigated to ensure my dismissal. I desire for the perpetrator to be penalized. I am being defamed. I have not made such statements,” he informed the media today. “The girl who passed away was like my daughter. I am also a parent. As a parent, I am resigning,” he declared.

Previously, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had targeted Dr. Ghosh and demanded his suspension.

“His deceptive statements and nonchalant attitude following this tragic occurrence expose his apathy towards the victim,” Mr. Adhikari stated in a post on X.

Meanwhile, medical professionals from hospitals across India have declared an indefinite strike.

Physicians in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other metropolises have announced that all non-essential services will be suspended until an investigation is concluded. The demonstrators are also requesting sufficient security for all medical staff.