Today, On 13th December, Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College, has been granted bail in the case concerning the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor on August 9. Ghosh faced allegations of evidence tampering in the incident. Meanwhile, another accused, Mondal, was charged with delaying the filing of the FIR. The case has sparked significant public and legal scrutiny.
Prayagraj: The Sealdah court granted bail on Friday to Abhijit Mondal, the former officer-in-charge of Tala police station, and Sandip Ghosh, the ex-principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in the rape and murder case involving an on-duty doctor.
Mondal faced allegations of delaying the filing of the FIR regarding the incident, which occurred at R G Kar Hospital on August 9, while Ghosh was accused of tampering with evidence. Both were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
According to a lawyer for Ghosh, the bail was granted because the chargesheet against them was not filed within the mandatory 90-day period.
Mondal’s lawyer confirmed that he would be released from the correctional facility where he was held on judicial remand.
However, Ghosh, who is also on judicial remand for a separate case involving alleged financial irregularities at the hospital, will remain incarcerated despite receiving bail in the rape-murder case.
The incident ignited nationwide protests among medical professionals, who demanded safer working environments and prompt justice. Doctors across India staged strikes, calling for systemic reforms to better protect women and healthcare workers.
During the investigation, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the principal of R.G. Kar Medical College at the time, was accused of attempting to minimize the incident as a suicide, which allegedly led to the destruction of vital evidence. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Dr. Ghosh on charges of evidence tampering.
On December 13, 2024, a Sealdah court granted bail to Dr. Ghosh because the chargesheet against him was not submitted within the legally required 90-day timeframe. However, he remains in custody due to a separate investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the institution.
The trial for the rape and murder case is currently ongoing, with the CBI reporting significant advancements. As of December 10, 2024, 43 out of 81 prosecution witnesses had testified, and the trial is anticipated to conclude within a month.
This case has highlighted the pressing issues of safety for medical professionals and women in India, leading to discussions about the necessity for enhanced security measures within healthcare settings.