Yesterday, On 5th October, Dr. Ashish Pandey, who arrested, has been placed in CBI custody, while a former principal of RG Kar Medical College and a police officer have been sent to judicial remand. The CBI is investigating their alleged involvement in a broader case. The court ordered Pandey’s custody for further questioning, while the others will remain in judicial custody.
Kolkata: A court, On Friday, sent the former principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, and suspended police officer Abhijit Mondal to 14 days of judicial custody. Additionally, the special CBI court remanded Dr. Ashish Pandey to CBI custody for three days, until October 7.
During the hearing at the Alipore court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that Ghosh had conspired with Mondal to cover up the rape and murder of a female doctor on duty at the hospital.
The CBI cited forensic evidence retrieved from the mobile phones of Ghosh and Mondal, requesting custody for further questioning.
Officials stated,
“The investigation into the rape-murder case is underway in full swing and accused Ghosh of misleading investigators by framing the incident as a suicide.”
The agency also alleged that Mondal assisted Ghosh in “tampering with evidence” and influencing witnesses, according to official sources.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), presenting Dr. Ashish Pandey before a special CBI court, referred to him as one of Sandip Ghosh’s “trusted soldiers,” accusing him of threatening students and accepting bribes in exchange for arranging assignments, according to sources.
Pandey, arrested for alleged financial misconduct at RG Kar Hospital, described by the CBI as “unfit to be a house staff,” but was supported by Ghosh to secure that role.
The CBI further alleged that Pandey involved in running a “sex racket” at the hospital, as per agency sources.
Following the court proceedings, CBI officials began questioning Pandey at their Nizam Palace office regarding the financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital.
The agency is also investigating whether Pandey had any involvement in the rape and murder of the female doctor at the hospital, sources added.
The Kolkata rape-murder case, involving the brutal assault and killing of a 32-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024, triggered nationwide outrage and protests. The victim was found dead in a hospital seminar room, sparking immediate suspicion of foul play. The post-mortem confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted and suffered grievous injuries. Investigators suspect gang rape, as the autopsy revealed a significant amount of semen and evidence of multiple perpetrators involved.
The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, arrested and charged with rape and murder. The investigation also expanded to include potential involvement of others, with a focus on hospital staff, given delays and mishandling of initial reports. Protests by junior doctors escalated as they demanded a thorough and fair investigation, accusing authorities of negligence and suppression of evidence. The case has since been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following public and legal pressure.
This tragic incident has fuelled widespread protests, particularly among the medical community, leading to strikes in hospitals across India. It has also prompted calls for stricter laws to protect healthcare workers and improve safety measures at medical facilities.