The Kolkata Police on Sunday summoned Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, for allegedly spreading false information about the investigation into the brutal rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred earlier this month.
Ray, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), demanded a custodial interrogation of the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and the Police Commissioner. He claimed that a dog squad was deployed to the crime scene three days after the victim’s body was discovered on August 9th.
Ray’s statement on X read, “CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of ex-Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story. Why wall of hall demolished, who patronised Roy to be so powerful. Why sniffer dog used after 3 days. 100s of such questions. Make them speak.”
The Kolkata Police responded to Ray’s post by stating that the information about the sniffer dog being deployed after three days was incorrect. “The information that the sniffer dog was sent after three days is completely wrong. Sniffer dog was sent twice, on 9th and then on 12th (August). A notice under Section 35(1) of BNS has been sent to Sukhendu Sekhar Ray,” the police said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Ray’s call for the Police Commissioner’s interrogation has sparked controversy within the TMC. Kunal Ghosh, another prominent leader of the ruling TMC, strongly opposed the demand, calling it “unfortunate.”
“I also demand justice in the RGKar case. But strongly oppose this demand regarding CP. After getting information, He has tried his best. Personally, CP was doing his job and investigation was in a positive focus. This kind of post is unfortunate, that too from my senior leader,” Ghosh stated.
It is important to note that Ray has been vocal in demanding justice for the victim and calling for a safe and healthy working environment for medical personnel. On August 16th, he posted on X, “A stringent comprehensive central act for safety of medical personnel in all hospitals, girls students in schools and colleges, inmates of asylums for rape victims, women employees in workplace is a must. Written to Union Govt for introducing Bill in winter session to that effect.”
On August 13th, Ray announced his participation in a nationwide midnight protest against the brutal rape and murder. “Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters, particularly because I have a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may,” he wrote.
The incident has brought to light the importance of accurate information dissemination and the need for responsible public discourse during sensitive investigations. The Kolkata Police’s decision to summon Ray highlights the seriousness of spreading misinformation, particularly in a case that has ignited public outrage and demands for justice.
