KOLKATA, Aug 12 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday that her government will transfer the investigation into the murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if local police fail to make progress by Sunday.
Banerjee expressed her desire for a swift resolution to the case and emphasized the importance of trying it in a fast-track court. “I want the police to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. If they are unable to crack the case by Sunday, we will hand it over to the CBI. I don’t have an issue with the central agency taking over, but its success rate is low,” she stated during a visit to the deceased doctor’s family.
The body of the post-graduate trainee, who was allegedly raped and murdered in a seminar hall at the hospital, was discovered on Friday morning. A civic volunteer was arrested on Saturday in connection with the crime. Banerjee noted that the victim’s family suspects that an insider may be involved, urging police to question anyone who may have had contact with the victim, including her friends.
In response to the incident, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, resigned on Monday following calls for his removal from junior doctors, who accused him of failing to ensure the safety of staff. Banerjee confirmed that Ghosh has been reassigned to another department and announced the removal of the medical superintendent and vice principal for negligence. Additionally, the head of the chest medicine department and the Kolkata Police’s Assistant Commissioner in charge of the hospital’s security were also dismissed.
Banerjee has previously vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused, highlighting the severity of the crime. “We want this case to go to a fast-track court. We will also demand capital punishment. Some people may have forgotten how to behave in society. It is a heinous crime to engage in such violence against women,” she asserted.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who accompanied Banerjee during her visit, assured that all individuals connected to the incident are being questioned. “All those who were near the place of occurrence and have a connection or involvement are being called and will be summoned if they haven’t been yet. We are certain that within the next four to five days, if there are more culprits, we will be able to arrest them,” he stated.
Goyal also announced the establishment of a helpline for doctors, allowing them to report information anonymously. “Doctors can share information if they wish to communicate anonymously. They can come and talk to us in person as well,” he added.
As the investigation continues, the government and police face increasing pressure to deliver justice swiftly in this high-profile case that has shaken the local medical community and raised serious concerns about safety and security within healthcare institutions.
