Why CBI’s Recent Arrests Are Crucial: Former Principal and Police Officer in Doctor’s Death

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and police officer Abhijit Mondal on Saturday. Their arrests are linked to the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor that occurred on August 9 inside the hospital’s seminar hall.

Dr. Ghosh, who is already under judicial custody over previous corruption allegations from his tenure at the hospital, faces additional charges in this case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating him for alleged money laundering, having conducted several raids related to these claims.

The CBI has charged Dr. Ghosh with obstructing the investigation and destroying evidence by delaying the declaration of the victim’s death and the registration of the First Information Report (FIR). He was initially arrested on September 2 for financial irregularities during his time as principal. The agency is seeking Ghosh’s remand to further investigate the charges of rape and murder.

On September 9, the Supreme Court highlighted a 14-hour discrepancy between the general diary (GD) entry and the FIR registration, criticizing the delay. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud remarked on this significant lapse.

Abhijit Mondal, the officer in charge of Tala police station, was arrested after providing unsatisfactory answers during questioning. He faces allegations of evidence tampering and delaying the FIR registration related to the crime, as Tala police station is responsible for the hospital’s jurisdiction. Mondal was questioned for several hours before his arrest and is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.

The arrests were met with approval from protesting doctors at Swasthya Bhavan. A junior doctor expressed satisfaction with the CBI’s actions, stating, “We are pleased with the arrests of Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal for their involvement in tampering with evidence. We hope the CBI will continue to investigate and arrest others involved in this case.”