CBI arrested the ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and a police officer in connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The arrests suggest a possible larger conspiracy behind the crime.
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KOLKATA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. On Saturday(14th Sept), the investigative agency made progress by arresting Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the institution, and Abhijit Mondal, the officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station. The arrests have raised concerns about a possible “larger conspiracy” behind the heinous crime, with both individuals now in CBI custody.
On Sunday(15th Sept), the CBI produced Ghosh and Mondal before a special court, seeking their remand for further interrogation. The investigative agency emphasized the suspicious delay in police action and pointed to Mondal’s connection with Ghosh, leading them to suspect foul play.
During the court hearing, the CBI’s lawyer stated-
“The officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station, though not an accused at this time, is believed to be connected to a larger conspiracy behind the crime. The incident at RG Kar hospital was reported to Tala police station at 10 am, yet the OC (Mondal) did not arrive on the scene until 11 am, and the FIR was only filed after 11:30 pm. The OC had multiple conversations with Sandip Ghosh that day, suggesting a potential link between them.”
The CBI alleged that Sandip Ghosh, already in custody due to an ongoing corruption case, and Abhijit Mondal tried to “downplay the incident” and may have been involved in “covering up” the crime. Investigators pointed to evidence tampering, delayed actions, and suspicious conversations between the two accused. The CBI’s focus is now on uncovering the full extent of their involvement.
One of the key points of contention is the time delay in the police officer’s response to the crime scene. According to the CBI, Mondal took an “unusually long time” to arrive, despite the location being just five minutes from Tala Police Station.
The CBI lawyer highlighted this, stating-
“The information was received at 10:03 am, but Mondal arrived at the scene only at 11 am, raising serious concerns about his involvement in the case.”
Further, it was noted that a 14-hour delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) had occurred, which significantly hindered the investigation process.
Adding to the CBI’s concerns, the agency uncovered conversations between Mondal and Ghosh on the day of the incident, suggesting coordination in handling the case. These communications led the agency to believe that the police officer’s inaction was not merely negligence but part of a broader plot.
Mondal, who was questioned by the CBI for several hours before his arrest, is now being scrutinized for his failure to act promptly. CBI sources revealed that during the lengthy questioning, Mondal could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding his actions after the discovery of the victim’s body.
The CBI lawyer pointed out-
“As the officer-in-charge, Mondal held significant responsibilities. Despite knowing his duties, he failed to take appropriate action.”
The agency believes that further interrogation of both Mondal and Ghosh is crucial to uncover the full truth behind the incident.
Mondal’s lawyer, however, argued that the charges against his client were bailable and should not warrant an arrest. He emphasized that Mondal had cooperated with the investigation, stating-
“Allegations against him include filing the FIR late at the scene. While a departmental inquiry may be conducted, he cannot be arrested solely for this issue. He has fully cooperated with the CBI, appearing as required. Even after being admitted to the hospital for treatment, he complied with requests to appear before the CBI.”
Despite this defense, the court remanded both Ghosh and Mondal to CBI custody until September 17 for further interrogation.
The CBI continues to explore the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the crime.
The agency stated in court-
“A bigger conspiracy might be involved,”
pointing out how both Ghosh and Mondal played pivotal roles in mishandling the case.
Ghosh, who was previously arrested on September 2 for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as principal, is suspected of orchestrating efforts to “destroy evidence” and “break official rules” in relation to the rape and murder case. Mondal’s role as the officer in charge of Tala Police Station, which covers RG Kar Hospital, places him in a critical position, and his alleged involvement in “tampering with the crime scene” has come under the scanner.
As the investigation deepens, public outrage and protests have intensified. On Sunday(15th Sept), while Mondal was being transported from the CGO Complex by CBI officers around 11 am, protesters gathered outside, demanding the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. The arrests have fueled further anger among the public, who believe that the authorities are not doing enough to ensure justice for the victim.
Moreover, the late-night arrests took place while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was engaged in discussions with junior doctors protesting at her Kalighat residence. The protest, led by a delegation of 30 junior doctors, also took place near Swasthya Bhavan and added pressure on the state’s handling of the case. However, talks stalled when the junior doctors demanded that the meeting be live-streamed, which was denied.
