Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh visited the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Kolkata on Monday, where he stated that he had conveyed a message from a group of junior doctors to the investigating agency. According to Ghosh, the junior doctors expressed their desire to share information with the CBI regarding the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College.
Ghosh explained, “Some junior doctors want to provide information to the CBI but do not have a direct way to communicate. They reached out to me, and if this information proves useful, they are ready to cooperate.” He clarified that his primary purpose for visiting the CBI office was to fulfill a separate obligation and that the communication of the junior doctors’ message was incidental. “I have come here for my work. I needed to provide information before leaving Kolkata as per a notification. I brought the list of that information,” Ghosh added.
The case has sparked widespread protests across the country, with civil society groups and medical professionals demanding strict punishment for the accused and heightened security for healthcare workers. On August 9, the postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College. The Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the crime the following day. However, dissatisfaction with the initial investigation led the Calcutta High Court to transfer the case to the CBI.
The CBI has since intensified the investigation, using advanced techniques such as 3D laser mapping of the crime scene and psychological profiling of the prime suspect. A CBI psychologist was flown in from Delhi over the weekend to assist with the probe.
The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and state officials. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the state government, accusing it of failing to protect women. “Bengal is not a safe place for women. The government has failed its women. Bengal needs to be restored to its past glory, where women held a respected place in society. Now, women live in fear of ‘gundas’ fostered by an insensitive government,” the Governor remarked. Governor Bose is scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the deteriorating situation in West Bengal.
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also attacked the state government, alleging that it cannot ensure women’s safety. “It is shameful that the state government issues notifications that highlight the lack of safety for women at night. While there is talk of women’s empowerment, the government simultaneously suggests that women should avoid night duty and even stay indoors during the day,” Adhikari said.
The victim’s family, represented by advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, accused the state government of attempting to influence witnesses in the case. “The role of the Chief Minister is condemnable. Whenever there is a rape case, she tries to compensate the victim’s family and sweep the matter under the rug. She has practically set a rate card for rape victims and tries to buy off witnesses,” Bhattacharya alleged.
The Supreme Court has also taken cognizance of the case. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is set to hear the matter on August 20.