The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has requested 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. This request stems from inconsistencies discovered in their statements during the investigation into the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at the hospital. A senior CBI official revealed that they have approached the court for authorization and, upon receiving it, will proceed with the polygraph tests. The official further emphasized that the results of these tests will be used to corroborate the doctors’ statements and verify the evidence gathered. Dr. Ghosh was previously questioned about his response to the incident, including his communication with the police and the victim’s parents, among other aspects.
Meanwhile, following an appeal from the Supreme Court, medical professionals at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi have called off their 11-day strike and resumed their duties. In a statement, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) announced the decision, stating that in the interest of the nation and the spirit of public service, they have chosen to end the strike. The RDA attributed this decision to the Supreme Court’s appeal and directive, expressing gratitude for the court’s recognition of the RG Kar Medical College incident and its efforts to address the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers nationwide.
Earlier, the Supreme Court, while initiating its hearing on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, had urged health professionals to return to work, assuring them that no adverse action would be taken against them upon their resumption of duties. This development comes in the wake of the nationwide protests sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. Taking suo motu cognizance of the case, the apex court directed the task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. Additionally, the court instructed the CBI to file a status report on the progress of the investigation into the rape case and requested the West Bengal government to submit a status report on the mob attack incident that occurred at the RG Kar hospital on August 15th.
The tragedy unfolded on August 9th when a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. This heinous act triggered nationwide strikes and protests by the medical community, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.
