The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its investigation into the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. On Saturday, the agency questioned Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the institution, for the second consecutive day.
This questioning is a crucial part of the ongoing investigation, which seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the postgraduate trainee doctor. The CBI is meticulously examining every aspect of the case, including the actions and statements of individuals who were present at the hospital on the night of the incident.
During the second round of questioning, Dr. Ghosh was grilled about his whereabouts on the night of the doctor’s death. Investigators also sought clarification on his initial reaction to the news, specifically who he instructed to inform the family and the details of how and who contacted the police.
To ensure the accuracy of Dr. Ghosh’s statements, CBI investigators are cross-checking them against testimonies gathered from doctors, interns, and nurses who were on duty at the hospital that fateful night.
The investigation team is also delving deeper into the hospital’s shift schedules. They are specifically looking into the weekly roster of the chest medicine department, where the victim was reportedly scheduled for demanding 36-hour shifts, sometimes extending up to 48 hours. This examination seeks to understand the pressures and workload faced by doctors at the hospital and any potential link to the tragic incident.
The CBI has taken a comprehensive approach to gathering evidence. In addition to questioning individuals, investigators collected samples from the crime scene at RG Kar Hospital and sent them to the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory for analysis. The team also visited the residence of the primary suspect, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, who was staying at the barrack of the Kolkata Police’s Armed Forces fourth battalion in Salt Lake.
The investigation has widened its scope to include a list of approximately 40 individuals, including doctors and police officers, who may have relevant information. Over 20 individuals have already been interviewed, and the investigation team is reaching out to others who may have interacted with the victim or the suspect. Additionally, psychologists from New Delhi have arrived in Kolkata to assist with the questioning process.
The horrifying incident, which occurred on August 9th, has sparked nationwide outrage and protests by the medical community. It has highlighted the urgent need for improved security measures and a safer working environment for healthcare professionals. The Kolkata Police have implemented Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, around the Medical College and Hospital for seven days, starting from Sunday, August 18th, in response to the unrest and to maintain order and security.
The CBI investigation is ongoing and is expected to shed light on the events leading up to the doctor’s tragic death, ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family.
