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CBI Ruling on Gang-Rape Allegation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has ruled out gang rape in the death of a Kolkata doctor at RG Kar Hospital. Evidence indicates that only Sanjay Roy, who was arrested earlier, is involved in the crime.
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Investigation Nearing Conclusion: The CBI investigation, assigned by the Calcutta High Court, is in its final stages. The agency is expected to file a status report on September 17 and has conducted extensive inquiries, including over 100 statements and multiple polygraph tests.
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Political Pressure and Criticism: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state officials have criticized the CBI for perceived delays, calling for quicker updates and action. The handling of the case has drawn significant political and public attention.
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Allegations Against Dr. Sandip Ghosh: Former RG Kar Hospital chief Dr. Sandip Ghosh was arrested, not in connection with the rape-murder case but for alleged financial irregularities, such as selling unclaimed bodies and trafficking biomedical waste.
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Enforcement Directorate (ED) Raids: The ED conducted raids on the homes of Dr. Ghosh and his associates over alleged financial misconduct. This followed a petition that linked these irregularities to potential motives in the doctor’s death.
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Supreme Court Involvement: The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the case, signaling the seriousness and public interest surrounding the investigation. Hearings are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
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Public Outrage and Protests: The case has sparked nationwide protests and demonstrations by medical professionals, activists, and political parties. Some protests have turned violent, reflecting widespread anger and demand for accountability.
Image Source - Hindustan Times
The CBI has also excluded gang rape in the death of a doctor in Kolkata at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Evidence has so far established that it was just one person who committed this crime, Sanjay Roy, who was arrested early. This investigation, transferred to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court, is at an advanced stage, with charges pending shortly.
Political Pressure and Allegations of Delay
The Opposition and civil society have repeatedly assailed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the handling of the case. She and her colleague, Minister Bratya Basu, lashed out at the CBI for perceived delays, demanding updates similar to those given by the Kolkata Police.
Highlights in the Investigation
It has recorded over 100 statements and conducted several polygraph tests, including two involving Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former chief of RG Kar Hospital. Dr. Ghosh resigned on "moral grounds" shortly after the incident for which he was arrested, though not in this murder case, over unrelated financial irregularities.
Image Source - Mint
Allegations Against Dr. Sandip Ghosh
Dr. Ghosh is charged with selling unclaimed bodies, trafficking biomedical waste, and awarding contracts for kickbacks. The charges against Dr. Ghosh are not related to the rape-murder case but are based on a petition by former Deputy Superintendent Akhtar Ali. The state and the Indian Medical Association have already suspended him.
Status Report by CBI
CBI is likely to file a status report before Calcutta High Court on September 17. The case saw widespread protests with some turning violent, spawned several conspiracy theories. The victim's family had alleged police misconduct which the police denied.
Image Source - Telegraph India
Supreme Court Takes Notice
Supreme Court had taken suo moto cognizance of the matter and was holding hearings headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to ensure the delivery of quick justice.
ED Cracks Down on Financial Misconduct
The Enforcement Directorate raided the houses of Dr. Sandip Ghosh and his associates in Kolkata and nearby areas on September 6, 2024, over alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Hospital. All four presently are in CBI custody.
Is Doctor's Death Linked to Financial Misconduct?
An ECIR was filed by the ED after the petition by Dr. Akhtar Ali pointed to corruption during the tenure of Dr. Ghosh. He suggested that the victim might have known something about the misconduct and had threatened to expose it, thus probably linking her death with the said irregularities.
The case thus remains in continuous investigation by both the CBI and ED, with further updates awaited as events unfold.
Inputs by The Hindu
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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