Kolkata Doctor Case: TMC MP seeks CBI probe of Kolkata top cop, sparks disagreements within party

The Kolkata Police, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, have banned gatherings, rallies, and any unlawful assembly of five or more people in the area from August 18 to August 24, or until further notice.

Senior TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Ray has specifically called for the "custodial interrogation" of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and former RG Kar Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh. His concerns focus on the initial investigation's portrayal of the incident as a suicide, the demolition of the seminar hall where the victim’s body was found, and the influence allegedly exerted by Sanjay Roy, the primary accused.

Ray's demands come amid widespread protests and criticism of how the case was initially handled by the Kolkata Police.

The TMC MP took to microblogging site X, writing, "CBI must act fairly . Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story. Why wall of hall demolished, who patronised Roy to be so powerful, Why sniffer dog used after 3 days. 100s of such questions. Make them speak".

CBI must act fairly . Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story.Why wall of hall demolished, who patronised Roy to be so powerful, Why sniffer dog used after 3 days.100s of such questions. Make them speak

— Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (@Sukhendusekhar) August 17, 2024

His remarks have sparked disagreements within the TMC, with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defending the police commissioner's efforts and describing Ray's statements as "unfortunate".

The controversy around the case escalated when the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 13, citing significant lapses in the police's handling of the case. This decision has been welcomed by many, particularly junior doctors and medical students who have been actively protesting, concerned about possible evidence tampering and the potential involvement of multiple perpetrators.

Ray's critique extends beyond the investigation to the handling of protests, especially the vandalism that occurred during the 'Reclaim the Night' rally on August 15. He accused the TMC of sending "goons" to disrupt the protest, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), of instigating the violence.

In addition to advocating for a fair investigation, Ray has called for the enactment of a stringent central law to protect women from sexual violence. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Ray pressed the need for legislation to ensure women's safety in public and private spaces, including hospitals, educational institutions, and workplaces. He also urged immediate action against authorities who fail to report incidents of sexual harassment or violence.

In response to the growing criticism, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal defended the initial investigation and urged the public to trust the CBI's ongoing probe. He reassured that any wrongdoing or mishandling of evidence would be addressed, while also condemning the spread of rumors and misinformation, which he claimed had complicated the case.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders have been imposed around Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital for the next seven days due to ongoing protests following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The Kolkata Police, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, have banned gatherings, rallies, and any unlawful assembly of five or more people in the area from August 18 to August 24, or until further notice.

The order, issued by Goyal, also prohibits the carrying of lathis, lethal weapons, or engaging in activities likely to disturb public peace. This decision has been made in response to the widespread protests demanding justice for the victim, with junior doctors and medical students from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad actively participating in the demonstrations.