RG Kar Medical College Rape and Murder Case:
The horrifying rape and murder incident involving a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital shook the nation. The court has now found the main suspect, Sanjay Roy, guilty, sentencing him to life imprisonment. However, suspicion loomed over several individuals linked to this heinous crime. Let's delve into who the accused were, the allegations against them, and uncover the negligence within the case.
Volunteer Sanjay Roy
Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect, was a volunteer with Kolkata Police. Investigations by both the police and the CBI revealed that Sanjay Roy orchestrated this gruesome act. As it turned out, on the day of the incident, the victim, a junior doctor, was found lifeless in the hospital's seminar hall with severe injuries.
According to police investigations, Sanjay Roy's presence at the crime scene was corroborated by DNA evidence, linking him to the crime. He was arrested on August 10 based on CCTV footage, and later, on January 20, 2025, the court convicted him with a life sentence.
SHO Abhijeet Mandal
The RG Kar Medical College falls within the jurisdiction of Tala Police Station, where Abhijeet Mandal served as the station head officer at the time of the incident. Allegations were made against him for tampering with the crime scene and manipulating evidence. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the site had been cleaned immediately following the crime, erasing critical forensic evidence.
Moreover, accusations were directed at Abhijeet Mandal for shielding the culprits and obstructing justice, resulting in his suspension under West Bengal government service rules. The CBI later arrested him on September 14, and despite initial non-cooperation, the court eventually granted him bail.
Police Lapses
The CBI had previously illuminated critical lapses within Kolkata Police's approach. The arrest of the main accused, Sanjay Roy, was followed by a delay in recovering his clothes and belongings, which could have been pivotal in establishing a motive. Additionally, local police faced allegations of manipulating evidence and protecting the accused.
Charges against Principal Sandeep Ghosh
The investigation presented challenges for the CBI, as Kolkata Police had initially spearheaded the probe. After Sanjay Roy's arrest, police suggested solving the case, seemingly attempting to shield the failings of RG Kar Hospital Principal Sandeep Ghosh.
Former Principal, Sandeep Ghosh, faced accusations of negligence in security and evidence preservation failure. Allegations claim he ordered the swift cleaning of the seminar hall post-incident, tainting the crime scene. The CBI investigation, initiated by a Kolkata High Court directive, unveiled shocking insights such as dysfunctional security cameras and compromised crime scenes, creating an opportunity for evidence destruction by perpetrators.
Sandeep Ghosh under Suspicion
Throughout this case, Dr. Sandeep Ghosh remained a character of intrigue. His influence within both the government and health ministry is notable. Despite ranking 16th in interviews to become the principal at RG Kar Medical College Hospital, he secured the position, with his involvement rooted in significant power dynamics.
Accusations of bribery involved in hospital waste material tenders and parking contracts followed. Following the junior doctor's death, allegations multiplied, though the Sealdah Court granted bail on December 13, 2024. The CBI, however, filed charges for corruption tied to RG Kar Medical College.
53 Hours of Interrogation
Reports suggest former Principal, Sandeep Ghosh, faced allegations of irregularities, illegal commissions, and tampering with appointments. The CBI grilled him for 53 hours over four days, the only individual aside from Sanjay Roy scrutinized to such an extent.
Who is Sandeep Ghosh?
Born and raised in Bongaon, 80 km from Kolkata, Dr. Ghosh completed his schooling in 1989 and pursued medical studies at RG Kar Medical College, graduating in 1994. While his education and initial career may be noteworthy, controversies have marred his professional journey.
Complaints of misconduct inundated the state health department, leading to investigations. Two transfers ordered, yet both reversed, highlight his resilience in bypassing mandated relocations. Grave allegations include misuse of post-mortem corpses, with letters to the health department met with silence.
In 2021, Dr. Sandeep Ghosh became the Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital but was subsequently ordered to transfer as an Orthopedic Professor to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital on May 31, 2023. Both times he managed to reverse the order. On August 12, 2024, he was transferred again but couldn't assume the role due to student opposition, with the High Court later ordering the state to place him on leave. The CBI arrested him after extensive interrogation.
Bail for Sandeep and Abhijeet
In court, Sandeep Ghosh and Inspector Abhijeet Mandal secured bail following hearings of their petitions. Mandal faced arrest by the CBI for evidence destruction allegations, but the court granted bail due to the absence of a supplementary charge sheet after 90 days.
Various Theories
Simultaneously, old cases from RG Kar Hospital circulated on social media, including the 2003 Soumitra Vishwas suicide case. Accusations arose suggesting foul play, with links to sex and pornography rackets within the hospital. Meanwhile, a BJP MP raised an issue regarding organ trafficking at RG Kar Hospital, fueling new theories.
What Happened That Night?
According to police sources, the accused reached the Chest Medicine Seminar Room around 4 AM. The junior doctor, wrapped in a blanket, was attacked multiple times before being unwrapped. Resistance led to further physical assault, confirmed by marks on the victim's left cheek and scratch marks.
The accused then grabbed the victim's neck and struck her face, abdomen, and chest repeatedly before she fell unconscious, leading to the heinous crime.
