The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in a First Information Report (FIR) as part of its investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the institution during his tenure.
The agency charged him under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (criminal conspiracy), along with Section 420 (cheating and dishonesty), and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which was amended in 2018 to include the unlawful acceptance of gratification by a public servant.
Meanwhile, doctors protesting the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor continue to hold rallies and demonstrations across the state. The Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj is also preparing for the Nabanna Abhiyan (March to Nabanna) on Tuesday. The prime accused, Sanjay Roy, currently in 14-day judicial custody, underwent a polygraph test at Kolkata’s Presidency Central Jail on Sunday.
Here are the top developments surrounding the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case:
Ex -principal under scrutiny: Earlier in the day, CBI officials, who have taken over an investigation into alleged corruption at a state-run medical college and hospital, conducted searches at the residence of former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh and several other locations across the city.
Also Read:CBI names ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh in corruption case, slaps non-bailable sections
Calcutta High court ruling: The Calcutta High Court has affirmed that the fundamental right to peaceful protest cannot be restricted, and has denied a request to block the planned protest march.
Allegations of evidence tampering surfaces: A new video has surfaced showing former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, his lawyer, police, and private security personnel in the seminar room where the body of the junior doctor was discovered on August 9. This has led opposition parties and family members to accuse the authorities of evidence tampering. BJP West Bengal General Secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay stated, “The video clearly shows outsiders in the crime scene. The police’s allowance of such access indicates potential evidence destruction.”
WCD slams state govt: Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Annapurna Devi has criticized the West Bengal government for its alleged failure to implement essential safety measures for women and girls. She highlighted the delay in starting 11 fast-track special courts despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases and the lack of crucial emergency helplines.
TMC alleges ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally illegal: Senior West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Chandrima Bhattacharya condemned the proposed ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally by student outfit Chhatra Samaj, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. She described the rally as “illegal” and an attempt to incite unrest in Kolkata.
Rejection of honorarium: Six of nearly 40,000 Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have rejected the Rs 85,000 honorarium offered by the Mamata Banerjee government. The committees have stated they cannot accept the assistance while women are protesting on the streets for increased security.
Ongoing CBI inquiry: In the morning, CBI officials began questioning former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh and ex-medical superintendent and vice principal Sanjay Vashisth in connection with their investigation into alleged financial irregularities. Dr. Ghosh, whose residence was searched on Sunday, presented documents at the CBI office in Salt Lake on Monday.
Prohibitory orders extended: The prohibitory orders issued by Kolkata police near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been extended for an additional week, until August 31.
BJP protests: BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has announced a series of protests from August 28 to September 4 in response to the alleged rape and murder:
August 29: Protesters will gherao district magistrate offices at noon.
September 2: Demonstrations will be held outside administrative offices in each block.
September 4: A statewide ‘chakka jam’ will be observed, blocking traffic for one hour.