On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought permission from the Kolkata High Court to conduct polygraph tests on Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and four other doctors. The request follows discrepancies in their statements during the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the hospital.
A senior CBI official confirmed that the agency has formally requested the court’s authorization to carry out the polygraph tests. Once approved, these tests will be used to verify and corroborate the statements made by the involved individuals. The official stated, “We aim to corroborate their statements with the results of the polygraph test to ensure accuracy in the information provided to the agency.”
Dr. Ghosh had previously been questioned about his response to the incident, including his notifications to the police and the victim’s family, among other related matters. The polygraph test is expected to assist in verifying the authenticity of the statements and supporting the ongoing investigation.
In related developments, following an appeal by the Supreme Court, healthcare professionals at All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi have ended their 11-day strike and resumed their duties. The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at AIIMS announced the decision, stating, “In the interest of the nation and the spirit of public service, the RDA, AIIMS, New Delhi, has decided to call off the strike. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s appeal and direction. We appreciate the Supreme Court’s intervention in addressing the RG Kar Medical College incident and broader concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers.”
The Supreme Court had previously directed healthcare professionals to return to work and assured that no adverse actions would be taken against them. This directive came as part of the court’s broader response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, which has led to widespread protests and strikes by the medical community.
The Supreme Court has also initiated its own proceedings on the case, directing the formation of a task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The court has requested the CBI to provide a status report on the investigation and has asked the West Bengal government to report on a mob attack incident that occurred at RG Kar Hospital on August 15.
The rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 ignited nationwide outrage and protests, leading to significant disruptions in healthcare services. The case remains a focal point for both judicial and public scrutiny as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.