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The court was hearing multiple pleas in the case involving the victim, a post-graduate trainee doctor, who was found murdered in a hospital's seminar hall in Kolkata
The Calcutta High Court (HC) on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, described the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College as "so gruesome" and acknowledged the justification of protesting doctors in expressing their emotions. Additionally, the court directed Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to take a leave of absence amidst growing concerns over his leadership following the incident.
The court transferred the investigation to Central Bureau of Investigation after the parents of the victim expressed apprehension on the matter being investigated by the state police. The court noted "The parents of the victim have an apprehension that if the investigation is allowed to continue in this manner, it will derail."
The division bench comprising the Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, expressed concern over the investigation, stating that "something is missing,” while hearing multiple pleas filed in the murder and rape case of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the medical college in Kolkata, which has sparked nationwide outrage. The victim was found murdered in the hospital's seminar hall, with the autopsy revealing evidence of rape, torture, and genital torture. A man named Sanjoy Roy has been arrested, and four junior doctors who were on duty with the victim have been summoned by the police.
The court refused to gag the press, emphasising the need for assurance and protection for doctors, who are hurt and justified in expressing their emotions. The court directed Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the hospital, to go on a long leave, despite his resignation on Monday. However, in a surprising turn of events, Dr. Ghosh was appointed principal of CNMC college within hours of his resignation, prompting the court to demand his resignation letter. The court demanded his resignation letter, new appointment letter, and the case diary.
The court questioned why the former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, was not questioned despite holding an administrative post. The bench asked the state advocate to submit a leave application by 3 pm, failing which the court would pass an order for him to leave the position.
The HC also slammed the state government for protecting Dr. Ghosh, asking why he was not questioned despite being the first person who should have been investigated. The bench also expressed skepticism over Dr. Ghosh's resignation statement, where he referred to the victim as his "daughter."
(With inputs from agencies)
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