Accusations and Suspension
Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has suspended the membership of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, where a doctor was raped and murdered earlier this month. Dr. Ghosh faced accusations of negligence, including failing to report the incident to the police when the woman’s body was discovered. Although he does not face charges related to the murder, he is under investigation for non-bailable corruption charges.
Dr. Ghosh underwent a lie-detector test on Monday. The IMA cited grievances from the doctor’s family and allegations of corruption at RG Kar Hospital as reasons for the suspension. An ex-employee of the hospital accused Dr. Ghosh of trafficking in dead bodies and biomedical waste, suggesting a possible link to the murder.
Ongoing Investigations and Court Actions
The CBI, which conducted an exhaustive 11-hour search of Dr. Ghosh’s Kolkata home, reported seizing a “wealth of evidence” and has questioned him for nearly 90 hours. The Supreme Court has criticized Dr. Ghosh for the delay in filing a police complaint, questioning why the FIR was lodged almost 14 hours after the body was found.
The IMA’s decision follows protests and controversy over Dr. Ghosh’s appointment to lead the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, despite his resignation from RG Kar Hospital. The Calcutta High Court intervened, mandating he take “long leave” and questioning the state government’s decision, which critics claim was an attempt to shield Dr. Ghosh.
As of now, the only arrest in connection with the rape and murder is a police volunteer named Sanjoy Roy. The CBI has yet to make any further arrests, and tensions remain high between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP regarding the handling of the case.
Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu On Kolkata Rape-murder, Says, “Enough Is Enough”