The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assumed control of the investigation into the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This transition followed a directive from the Calcutta High Court earlier today.
Key Developments:
The CBI has re-registered the First Information Report (FIR) originally filed by the Kolkata Police. This procedure is standard when the central agency takes over a case from state authorities.
A team of CBI officials, along with forensic scientists and medical experts, will travel to Kolkata on Wednesday. Their tasks will include reviewing the autopsy report, analyzing any available videography, and examining the crime scene.
High Court Observations:
The Calcutta High Court highlighted significant administrative lapses following the discovery of the victim’s body in the hospital’s seminar hall. The court criticized Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, for not taking proactive measures. It also expressed concern over his immediate appointment as Principal at another college, describing the move as inappropriate and hasty.
The court emphasized that Dr. Ghosh should have been the first person interviewed by investigators. It also expressed doubts about the integrity of the ongoing investigation, citing the potential for evidence tampering and a lack of significant progress by the state police.
The court asserted that the urgency of the case and the potential for evidence destruction justified transferring the case to the CBI. It criticized the state police for their slow progress, stating that further delays could compromise the investigation.
Political and Public Reactions:
Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, had called for a central agency investigation to ensure the integrity of the probe, fearing that evidence might be tampered with under state police investigation.
The case has drawn widespread attention and outrage, with significant implications for hospital administration and state police practices.