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The recent death of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sparked a firestorm of controversy, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) raising serious concerns about the conduct of the Kolkata Police in handling the crime scene. The case, involving the rape and murder of the doctor, has been marred by allegations of mishandling, political interference, and attempts to cover up the truth. The incident has also brought the functioning of the hospital itself under scrutiny, leading to the removal of its principal.
The controversy revolves around a series of viral photographs that emerged showing a crowded seminar room where the doctor's body was discovered. The presence of numerous individuals in the crime scene raised serious questions about the integrity of the investigation, with many alleging that the scene had been tampered with. The IMA, in particular, took issue with the identification of Dr. Avik De, a first-year Post Graduate Trainee, as the fingerprint expert by the Kolkata Police. The association questioned his credentials and highlighted controversies surrounding his admission to the PG program, alleging that he secured his position through manipulation and preferential treatment.
Adding fuel to the fire, Amit Malviya, the BJP’s IT cell head, accused the Kolkata Police of peddling lies at the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the crime scene had been deliberately compromised, accusing the police of protecting certain individuals. Malviya demanded Banerjee’s resignation and a polygraph test to uncover the truth, further escalating the political tension surrounding the case. In response to these allegations, the Kolkata Police asserted that the crime scene was not compromised, maintaining that all individuals present in the photograph were authorized members of the investigation team. They vehemently denied any tampering with evidence.
The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a directive by the Calcutta High Court, a decision driven by the mounting pressure and public outcry over the perceived mishandling of the investigation by the Kolkata Police. This transfer of the case to a national agency highlights the deep-seated mistrust and lack of confidence in the local authorities’ ability to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation. The case has further highlighted the issue of safety for women, particularly in the medical field, and the need for stronger measures to protect them. It remains to be seen whether the CBI can provide the justice that the victim’s family and the public demand.