The father of a trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has publicly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her inaction regarding past allegations against the former principal, Sandip Ghosh. The victim’s father asserts that his daughter might still be alive had the Chief Minister taken appropriate action back in 2021.
Accusations of Inaction and Corruption
Speaking to the media, the victim’s father expressed deep frustration, stating, “The day the accused will be punished will be our victory. In 2021, many allegations were leveled against former principal Sandip Ghosh; if the Chief Minister had taken action then, my daughter might have been alive today.” His comments came as junior doctors continued their protests against the grisly murder, which has captured national attention.
The victim, a trainee doctor, was found dead inside a seminar hall at the hospital on August 9. Her autopsy report revealed that she had suffered 25 internal and external injuries, indicating severe sexual assault and torture. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that Sandip Ghosh was involved in a cover-up, including delaying the filing of a murder FIR and attempting to pass off the murder as a suicide. Ghosh is also accused of corruption, including the sale of unclaimed corpses.
Protests and Government Response
The murder FIR was reportedly registered 14 hours after the crime was discovered. The delay and subsequent handling of the case have intensified protests among the medical community. In response to the protests, the West Bengal government has agreed to transfer Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, appointing Manoj Kumar Verma as the new police chief. Despite this concession, the protesting doctors have yet to end their strike.
The controversy has highlighted serious issues of accountability and governance within the medical and law enforcement systems in Kolkata. The ongoing investigation by the CBI continues to uncover the full extent of the alleged misconduct and corruption surrounding the case.
