It has been 14 days since the Kolkata incident. Doctors are on strike, seeking justice for the victim. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted its status report to the Supreme Court on Thursday. The report contains several new and shocking revelations. The CBI informed the Supreme Court about the progress of the investigation and highlighted the key suspects and evidence. The initial report pointed fingers at hospital administration, particularly former Principal Sandeep Ghosh, questioning their role and diligence.
The whole incident came to light on August 9 when the body of a 31-year-old trainee female doctor was found in the seminar hall on the third floor of RG Kar Medical College Hospital. She was found partially unclothed, bleeding, and with injury marks on her body. Following the incident, there was outrage among resident doctors, leading to a strike. The police had arrested the accused, Sanjay Roy, and sent him to jail. Five days later, the High Court transferred the case from the police to the CBI. Two days prior, the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, instructing the CBI to submit a progress report.
What was revealed by the CBI's investigation?
1. Was it a gang rape or just rape?
The CBI continues to delve deep into the case. Furthermore, Today revealed a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the rape and murder of the female doctor. So far, the evidence and leads suggest that it wasn’t a gang rape but an individual act. Based on forensic evidence and CCTV footage, only Sanjay Roy’s involvement is confirmed. The CBI is planning to involve private experts to further examine forensic evidence, ensuring no other individuals are involved.
2. Was Sanjay Roy the only participant in the crime?
The critical question remains whether the arrested accused Sanjay Roy acted alone or had accomplices. Recent forensic reports and CCTV footage support the theory that Sanjay Roy was the sole perpetrator. The investigation team has also reviewed the autopsy report, which supports that it was a case of rape and murder, not gang rape. The CBI aims to verify all aspects before reaching a conclusion, and the inquiry is ongoing.
3. Why is Sandeep Ghosh under CBI's radar?
Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandeep Ghosh, remains in the spotlight as the CBI continues questioning him for the seventh consecutive day. Investigators have spent around 77 hours questioning Ghosh over these six days. They are keen to uncover why Ghosh is repeatedly summoned. The CBI's status report has unveiled several critical questions regarding his role.
4. Will CBI arrest Sandeep Ghosh?
The CBI has discovered significant lapses from Ghosh. Evidence suggests that the crime scene was tampered with. Hospital officials, especially former Principal Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, failed to secure the crime scene properly despite knowing the protocols for such sensitive cases. Ghosh's delayed actions post the murder notification are under scrutiny. Ongoing renovations at the hospital and delays in registering the FIR are also being investigated.
5. The role of hospital staff:
The negligence following the incident and the actions of the incumbent principal are under question. The CBI continues to record statements and investigate alleged gross negligence by the hospital management in handling the sensitive matter. They believe proper crime scene protocols were not followed. Sandeep Ghosh's failure to secure the crime scene or act promptly has put him and other staff under the CBI's radar. Additionally, Ghosh's driver and four interns who had meals with the victim were questioned. Forensic experts are examining the movement of Ghosh's car, and the hospital's Vice President, Sanjay Vashishtha, has been questioned and removed from his position.
6. Kolkata Police's lapses:
The Supreme Court criticized Kolkata Police once again. Justice JB Pardiwala commented that he hadn't seen such negligence in his 30-year career. The court suspected tampering at the crime scene and noted a 14-hour delay in filing the FIR. The court questioned how a postmortem was conducted before recording an unnatural death and highlighted discrepancies in the magistrate's report, suspecting pages were added later.
7. Government's arguments:
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, contended that all guidelines were followed regarding the unnatural death, and the entire process was videographed. However, the CJI pointed out that the FIR was filed at 11:30 PM, not justifying the delay. The CJI demanded the presence of a responsible police officer with full case knowledge at the next hearing. He questioned the suspicious behavior of the Assistant Police Superintendent during the proceedings.
8. What did CBI say about the FIR?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta refuted allegations that the doctor's father initially requested no FIR. He clarified that the victim's father and not the hospital filed the FIR and that event notification to the family was also delayed.
9. Hospital administration under scrutiny in court:
CJI questioned why the unnatural death was recorded at 10.10 AM but the FIR was filed only at 11.30 PM. The CJI probed the reasons for the delay and inconsistency in report timelines, raising serious concerns. They questioned the urgency and manner in which the postmortem was conducted between 6:10 PM and 7:10 PM, despite knowing about the unnatural death by the morning.
10. Supreme Court's direction to the West Bengal government:
The bench recommended some measures concerning duty hours regulation and compensation funds. They suggested opening a portal for public suggestions and emphasized peaceful protests by the demonstrators. The next hearing is scheduled for the upcoming week. CJI also advised doctors on strike to return to duty.
