Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who has been under investigation, stands accused of trying to deceive the authorities. The CBI’s investigation found that Ghosh and a senior police official, Abhijit Mondal, attempted to obstruct justice by delaying the filing of an FIR and manipulating the evidence regarding the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor. The trainee was discovered brutally assaulted and murdered inside a seminar hall at the RG Kar campus, triggering a wave of outrage and public protests across Kolkata.
The autopsy of the victim confirmed that she had been raped before being murdered, an act that sent shockwaves through the medical community and the general public. Amid this growing pressure, the civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, was initially arrested, but further investigation led to broader revelations of negligence and alleged criminal involvement by senior officials in the institution, including Ghosh.
What emerged from the CBI’s forensic investigation, including a polygraph test of Dr. Ghosh, was that the former principal did not intend to file a First Information Report (FIR) when the incident came to light. Despite being informed of the trainee’s body being found on August 9, Ghosh, in consultation with legal advisers, chose to avoid immediate legal action. It was only after significant delay that the vice-principal of the college filed the FIR, but by that time, critical evidence was reportedly mishandled, creating obstacles in the investigation.
The revelations around Ghosh’s alleged involvement and deception intensified after he was subjected to a layered voice analysis and polygraph tests. These tests suggested that Ghosh was not fully truthful with investigators, particularly regarding his knowledge and role in the case’s handling. His close association with Mondal, a senior police officer, added to the growing suspicion that there was a concerted effort to manipulate the investigation and protect those involved.
Mondal’s involvement became a critical aspect of the investigation when it was discovered that he was in regular contact with Ghosh from the moment the body was found. This communication raised questions about whether senior officials were complicit in a cover-up, further undermining the integrity of the investigation.
The CBI’s scrutiny of these two doctors, both of whom were previously suspended from their positions, stems from their alleged proximity to Ghosh and their potential roles in the broader network that may have contributed to the mishandling of the case. The federal agency’s investigation is ongoing, with both summoned doctors expected to provide critical testimony that could either exonerate or implicate higher-ranking officials within the hospital administration.
This case has had broader ramifications beyond just the individuals directly involved. The failure of the hospital's administration to promptly report the crime has led to widespread public outcry, with various civic groups demanding a thorough overhaul of institutional practices. The incident has highlighted the lapses within both medical and law enforcement institutions in handling sensitive cases, especially involving violence against women.