In a significant development surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, senior TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He has specifically called for the custodial interrogation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and former Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh. Ray’s call for action comes after he raised several questions about the initial handling of the case, which has sparked controversy and a police summons.
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TMC, even your own members admit that Sandip Ghosh and CP Vinit are involved in more than just the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor.
This state machinery has sunk to new lows, with party members now questioning the extent of this government’s downfall.#MamataResign pic.twitter.com/sGcwJdUKDa
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) August 18, 2024
Ray was summoned by the Kolkata Police after he posted on social media, questioning the police’s actions and the alleged cover-up. According to police sources, Ray’s statements, particularly about the use of sniffer dogs at the crime scene, were flagged as “factually incorrect.” The police pointed out that sniffer dogs were sent to the crime scene twice—once on August 9, the day the body was discovered, and again on August 12. Ray has been asked to appear at Lalbazar police headquarters to clarify his statements.
Ray’s public statements have stirred discontent within the TMC ranks. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh countered Ray’s remarks, stating that the Police Commissioner had “tried his best” in the investigation and calling Ray’s comments “unfortunate.” Despite the internal discord, Ray remains firm in his stance, having previously written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding stronger laws to prevent atrocities against women. He has also expressed support for the ongoing doctors’ agitation at the hospital.
The case has led to a political war of words between the TMC and opposition parties. BJP leaders have seized on Ray’s remarks, with Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar alleging that the involvement of key officials in the crime is evident, and that the state machinery has “sunk to new lows.” The opposition has accused the TMC of sending “goons” to the hospital premises to destroy evidence, a charge that the ruling party has vehemently denied.
Facing mounting criticism, Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal defended the initial investigation by the Kolkata Police, urging people to trust the ongoing CBI probe. “We will be held liable if we did anything wrong. Let the CBI come to a conclusion. Stop rumour-mongering,” Goyal stated, addressing the allegations of a cover-up. He emphasized that another agency is now handling the case and urged the public to be patient.
The transfer of the case to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court on August 13 followed widespread criticism of the police’s initial investigation. Junior doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College have also expressed concerns about the destruction of evidence and the possibility that more than one person was involved in the crime.
As the investigation continues, the demand for transparency and accountability grows louder, with all eyes now on the CBI to deliver justice in a case that has deeply shaken the state of West Bengal.
