An image from the site of protest (Image Source: X)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is grappling with a multifaceted and disturbing case involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The investigation is uncovering a complex array of potential issues, including allegations of fake drug schemes, academic bribery, prostitution rings, and even disturbing claims involving necrophilia. The case’s evolving nature suggests that the crime may be part of a larger, more sinister operation within the medical institution.
The brutal nature of the crime has raised significant concerns. The extensive evidence, including a high amount of semen found at the crime scene and the absence of any witnesses hearing a scream, suggests that the act was premeditated and likely involved multiple perpetrators. Sanjay Roy, a known eccentric and civic volunteer for the Kolkata police, is the primary suspect. However, given the severity of the crime, authorities believe he may not have acted alone.
Efforts to obscure the truth have further compounded the investigation’s challenges. Initial attempts to classify the death as a suicide, the hasty transfer of RG Kar Principal Dr Sandip Ghosh to another position, and subsequent renovations at the hospital suggest attempts to cover up evidence. Reports of goons vandalising the hospital premises to destroy crucial evidence point to a more extensive conspiracy.
Troubling cases from the past
The investigation into this latest case must be understood within the context of a troubling history of unresolved issues at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In 2001, Dr. Soumitra, a physician at the institution, attempted to expose a porn ring operating within the hospital. Despite providing substantial evidence, both the police and college authorities dismissed the claims, labelling the case a suicide.
Over the years, RG Kar has been embroiled in numerous scandals and incidents:
2001: Doctor tried exposing a porn ring
In 2001, Dr. Soumitra, a 31-year-old physician, attempted to expose a disturbing pornography ring operating within Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite presenting significant evidence of her allegations, both the police and college authorities ignored her claims, dismissing a subsequent murder case as a suicide.
This case set a precedent for a series of unresolved incidents at RG Kar, including suicides, unexplained deaths, and student disappearances, all of which were met with a lack of effective response or investigation from the authorities.
Over the years, reports of professors molesting interns surfaced, yet persistent protests by brave doctors were ignored.
2003: Suicides and Attempted Suicides
In 2003, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was rocked by a series of tragic incidents. A member of the hospital’s house staff was found dead by suicide within the premises, an event that sparked alarm among the medical community and raised questions about the institution’s mental health support. This was followed closely by another distressing case where a medical student attempted to slit their wrists, marking the fourth such suicide attempt in a remarkably short period. Despite the severity and frequency of these cases, the college administration’s response was criticised for its lack of adequate support and failure to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis. The repeated incidents underscored a significant gap in mental health care and support systems within the institution.
2004: Obstruction of Death Probe
In 2004, RG Kar Medical College faced further scrutiny when The Telegraph reported that the college had obstructed investigations into a death probe. This revelation fueled suspicions of institutional negligence and corruption. The college’s efforts to impede the investigation were seen as an attempt to cover up underlying problems within the institution.
2015: Disappearance of a Student
The issue of unresolved and suspicious cases continued into 2015 when a second-year student at RG Kar Medical College went missing. The disappearance added to a troubling list of incidents involving students, including previous suicides and unexplained deaths. The lack of resolution and adequate investigation into the student’s disappearance contributed to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of students at the institution.
2016: Unrest and Accusations of Interference
In 2016, RG Kar Medical College was again in the spotlight following the death of a female student, which led to significant unrest among students and staff. The situation was exacerbated by allegations of interference from Trinamool Congress (TMC) union members in the allotment of hostel beds, which further illustrated issues of administrative dysfunction and favouritism.
2019: Mass Resignation of Doctors
The year 2019 saw a dramatic protest when over 700 doctors resigned from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in a single day. This mass resignation was a response to severe administrative failures and security issues within the institution. Among the resigning doctors, 95 specifically demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, citing deep dissatisfaction with the college’s administration and its handling of various issues. The unprecedented scale of the resignation highlighted the significant discontent among medical professionals and the urgent need for accountability and improvements in the administration’s approach to managing the college and hospital.
2024: Doctors demand resignation of Dr Sandip Ghosh
Despite ongoing issues, such as intimidation of students reporting ragging and threats from supporters of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, no arrests were made, and the situation remained unchanged. Ghosh was repeatedly reinstated as the principal of RG Kar Medical College after each transfer, while complaints about administrative misconduct continued to be ignored.
On August 16, 2024, a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital voiced a series of demands for justice. These included the arrest of those responsible for the current crisis, a formal apology, and resignations from key officials including the former Principal, the MSVP, the Dean of Student Affairs, the HOD of the Chest Medicine Department, and the Assistant Superintendent on Duty. The doctor also called for an explanation from Shastra Bhawan regarding Ghosh’s reinstatement, demanded lifelong financial support for the victim’s family, and emphasized the need for enhanced security measures such as CCTV cameras and security guards. Additionally, they urged for strict action against the digital defamation of RG Kar students and the unauthorized distribution of the victim’s photo.
Developments and Demands for Justice
On August 16, 2024, a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital voiced strong demands for justice, calling for the arrest of those responsible for the crime, a formal apology, and the resignation of senior officials, including the former Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the MSVP, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Head of the Chest Medicine Department, and the Assistant Superintendent on Duty. They also demanded explanations from Shastra Bhawan regarding Ghosh’s reinstatement and sought lifelong financial support for the victim’s family.
The protesters have urged for robust security measures at the hospital, including the installation of CCTV cameras and hiring of security guards. They have also called for strict action against the digital defamation of RG Kar students and unauthorised circulation of the victim’s photo.
As the CBI delves deeper into the case, the investigation is uncovering a troubling pattern of systemic issues and corruption at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
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