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ED Raids Residence of Former RG Kar Medical College Principal Sandip Ghosh

September 6, 2024, 9:17 am

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the home of former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal, Sandip Ghosh, along with other locations in Kolkata, in connection with a financial irregularities case involving the institution. The ED registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate money laundering allegations against Ghosh, who is currently in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody.

On Wednesday, Sandip Ghosh petitioned the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court’s directive for a CBI probe into the corruption charges against him. His petition is set to be heard on September 6 by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

Ghosh was arrested on September 2 by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch after an investigation into corruption and financial misconduct at the college. This probe followed an order from a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, leading to Ghosh’s 8-day police custody starting Tuesday. On August 24, the CBI formally filed an FIR against Ghosh, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Kolkata suspended his membership amid the ongoing investigation.

As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted a second polygraph test on Ghosh in relation to the rape-murder case of a woman doctor at the college. The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Calcutta High Court has given the CBI three weeks to submit an update on the case, with a progress report due on September 17.

Survey On West Bengal Anti-Rape Bill

September 4, 2024, 4:25 am

A recent survey on the West Bengal Anti-Rape Bill, conducted on September 3, 2024, reveals overwhelming support for the proposed measures. The survey, which sampled
366 individuals, indicates that 96% of respondents approve of the bill’s provision for the death penalty for rapists. Furthermore, 93% endorse the nationwide implementation of
the bill’s mandate for investigation within 21 days and execution within 10 days.
In terms of legal proceedings, 95% believe that severe crimes like rape should be tried exclusively in fasttrack courts. When asked about the root causes of increasing crimes
against women, 51% blame government and police negligence, while 23% attribute it to media influences

96% BELIEVE THAT DEATH PENALTY provision IS CORRECT

Here’s the Survey:

Q-1 What is your opinion on the provision of the death penalty in Mamata Sarkar’s Anti-Rape Bill?

Q-2 Should the provision in the anti-rape law that mandates investigation within 21 days and execution of the guilty within 10 days be implemented across the country?

Q-3 In your opinion, should hearings for severe crimes like rape be conducted only in fast-track courts?

Q-4 Who do you hold most responsible for the increasing crimes against women?

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder : Sanjay Roy Requests Egg Chowmein in Jail, Upset Over Standard Meal

August 31, 2024, 11:23 am

Sanjay Roy, the main suspect in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, who is currently held at the Presidency Correctional Home, has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the prison meals. According to News18, Roy, displeased with the standard “roti-sabzi” meal, requested egg chowmein instead. His request was denied due to prison regulations that require all inmates to receive the same food.

Sources from the prison revealed that Roy became agitated when served the usual roti and vegetables. After a warning from jail staff, he eventually accepted the meal. Upon his transfer from CBI custody to the correctional home, Roy had also requested additional sleep time and was observed muttering to himself, though he later appeared to return to his usual demeanor.

The investigation into the rape and murder of the Kolkata doctor has so far led to only one arrest—Sanjay Roy, who remains in judicial custody.

In a related development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has continued its probe into the RG Kar Medical College case. On Friday, former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh was questioned for the 14th consecutive day. The CBI has already spent over 140 hours interrogating Ghosh, who is also under investigation for financial misconduct at the hospital. An FIR has been filed against him and other parties.

Additionally, CBI teams conducted searches and questioned Ghosh at his residence last Sunday. Ghosh was seen entering the CGO Complex in Salt Lake, the CBI’s eastern regional headquarters, around 10:45 AM. On Thursday, multiple CBI teams visited RG Kar Hospital as part of their ongoing investigation.

Centre hits back at Mamata, says Bengal govt a failure on women safety measures

August 27, 2024, 5:56 am

Mamata Banerjee’s gambit of putting the ball in the court of the Narendra Modi Government over the issues of women’s safety failed today as the Union Women and Child Development Ministry issued a sharp reply to the West Bengal Chief Minister highlighting the State’s own failings.

On August 22, when the State was convulsed with protests against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the Government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal Chief Minister had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a tougher legislation against rape. In her letter, the Chief Minister said that it was “horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rapes occurred daily throughout the country”.

Observers say Mamata Banerjee, through her letter, had tried to play down the outrage in West Bengal by highlighting incidents of rape cases across India and thereby indirectly blaming the Central Government.

The Centre replied to Mamata Banerjee’s letter through the Women and Child Development Ministry.

In a reply made public today, the Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi criticized the West Bengal Government for failing to implement key emergency helplines such as the Women Helpline (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and Child Helpline.

She said that West Bengal has been allocated 123 fast-track courts, but most of them are not functional yet.

The Centre highlighted the State’s inability to operationalize the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) allocated to it under a Centrally sponsored scheme despite a significant backlog of cases related to sexual offenses.

The FTSC scheme, launched in October 2019, was designed to expedite the trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

Under this scheme, the Central Government allocated 123 FTSCs to West Bengal, including 20 exclusive POCSO courts and 103 combined courts for both rape and POCSO cases.
However, as of mid-June 2023, none of these courts had been made operational, the Union Minister said in her letter.

“The State of West Bengal communicated its willingness to participate in the Scheme vide letter dated 08.06.2023, committing to start 7 FTSCs. Under the revised target, West Bengal has been allocated 17 FTSCs, of which only 6 exclusive POCSO Courts have been operationalized as of 30.06 2024. In spite of a pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State Government has not taken any steps to start the remaining 11 FTSCS. Action in this regard is pending with the State Government,” she added.

The Minister urged the West Bengal Government to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Banerjee had written to PM Modi citing that almost 90 cases of rapes occur daily throughout the country. She said this “shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation”. She stated that “such a serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner through stringent Central legislation prescribing exemplary punishment against the persons involved in such dastardly crimes”.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: Sanjay Roy’s Claims During CBI Polygraph Test

August 26, 2024, 9:36 am

Sanjay Roy, the prime suspect in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, allegedly claimed during a polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he arrived at the seminar hall.

The polygraph test, conducted days after Roy’s declaration of innocence, flagged numerous deceptive and unreliable responses, according to report. Roy appeared anxious and rattled during the examination, offering several alibis when confronted by the CBI with evidence. He maintained that he discovered the victim already dead and fled the scene in panic.

Initially, Roy confessed to the crime when questioned by Kolkata police but has recently reversed his statement, claiming he is being falsely implicated. In jail, he reportedly told the guards that he had no involvement in the crime.

Last Friday, Roy repeated his claims of innocence before the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) in Sealdah, consenting to the lie detector test to prove his case. Despite his assertions, both the CBI and police uncovered significant contradictions in his narrative. An officer remarked that Roy had been attempting to mislead investigators and could not account for the injuries on his face or his presence at the crime scene.

The victim was discovered lifeless inside the hospital’s seminar hall, where she had gone to rest during her night shift. Her autopsy revealed sexual assault and multiple injuries, including to her private parts. CCTV footage captured Roy entering the premises at 4:03 am on August 9, and his Bluetooth headset was later found at the crime scene.

Psychological profiling of Roy suggested he had a “perverse nature” and was “severely addicted to pornography,” exhibiting predatory and animal-like behaviors.

CBI Raids Former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh’s Home and 13 Other Locations

August 26, 2024, 7:39 am

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began its probe into alleged corruption at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following a High Court directive. The agency conducted raids on Sunday at 14 locations, including the residence of former principal Sandip Ghosh and properties linked to health department officials and two vendors.

The CBI’s FIR, filed the previous day, names Sandip Ghosh along with a woman, Khoma Louha, who runs Eshan Cafe on the hospital campus, and a business called Ma Tara Traders. A CBI team searched the administrative block of RG Kar Hospital and questioned several officials, including the current vice-principal, Saptarshi Chatterjee, and his predecessor, Sanjay Vashishth.

A CBI officer reported that the searches uncovered “a lot of things” but declined to provide further details.

The raids began at 6:45 a.m. when CBI officers arrived at Ghosh’s four-story home in Beliaghata, central Kolkata. Despite multiple attempts to contact him, Ghosh didn’t respond initially, prompting the CBI team to visit the local police station to inquire about his whereabouts. Ghosh eventually opened the door after more than an hour, allowing the CBI officers to enter. His interrogation continued late into the evening.

Another CBI team visited Vashishth’s homes in Entally and Tangra, where he was also questioned. Vashishth had previously been interrogated by the CBI’s special crime branch in connection with the ongoing rape-murder case at the hospital.

Additionally, the CBI conducted a search at the home of former forensic medicine demonstrator Debashish Som in Kestopur. Som, once close to Ghosh, was later taken to the CBI office at Nizam Palace for further questioning.

Two vendors connected to the hospital were also questioned. In Howrah, CBI officers visited the office of medical equipment supplier Biplab Sinha, owner of Tara Ma Traders. In Tallah, they searched the home of cafe owner Khoma Louha and took her husband, Chandan Louha, for questioning at an undisclosed location.

Ghosh is expected to challenge the CBI probe on Monday, arguing that the investigation was ordered without him being given an opportunity to be heard in court.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Receives And Gives Pronunciation In Kolkata Case

August 23, 2024, 10:24 am

In a recent Supreme Court session, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud addressed a pronunciation error regarding the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Chief Justice had been incorrectly pronouncing “Kar” as “Kaar,” a mistake pointed out by Justice Hrishikesh Roy.

Correction Made During Hearing

While the Supreme Court was reviewing petitions related to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the Kolkata hospital, an advocate representing junior doctors highlighted the issue. The Chief Justice DY Chandrachud acknowledged the error, stating, “By the way, Justice Hrishikesh Roy pointed out to me that you kept on saying ‘Kaar,’ ‘Kaar,’ it’s ‘Kar.’ I apologise.”

Background Information On RG Kar Medical College

The RG Kar Medical College, established in 1886 as the Calcutta School of Medicine by Indian physician Radha Gobinda Kar, initially lacked an associated hospital or campus. The college moved to its own building in 1902, was renamed Belgachia Medical College in 1916, and then Carmichael Medical College in 1918, honoring Bengal’s Governor Thomas Gibson-Carmichael. Post-Independence, the college was renamed in honor of its founder. The West Bengal government later took over the management of the hospital.

Nationwide Protests and Supreme Court Action

The college has recently been in the spotlight following the discovery of a postgraduate trainee doctor’s body in a seminar hall on August 9, confirmed to have been sexually assaulted. The incident has ignited nationwide protests by doctors demanding safer working conditions, which have disrupted healthcare services across the country.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Supreme Court has established a National Task Force to propose measures to enhance working conditions for healthcare professionals. During the hearing, an advocate revealed that doctors often endure shifts of up to 36 hours. Chief Justice Chandrachud empathized, sharing his personal experience: “Please assure the doctors that we know they are working for 36 hours. I have personally slept on the floor of a public hospital when one of my family members was unwell.”

Ongoing Developments

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare sector to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals and address the concerns raised by the recent tragic events.

Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: CBI Initiates Psychological Testing of Main Accused

August 18, 2024, 3:16 pm

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started conducting psychological tests on the main accused in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, sources revealed on Sunday. A psychologist from the CBI was sent to Kolkata on Saturday to assist the investigation team. The tragic incident has led to widespread outrage across the country, drawing strong reactions from various sectors.

Protests have erupted in multiple locations demanding justice for the victim. Junior doctors and medical students staged demonstrations at Mangalagiri AIIMS and Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College. Additionally, West Bengal Congress workers and members of the LGBTQIA+ community took to the streets, with the Congress organizing a rally against the incident on Saturday. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers also protested against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President Dr. Asokan called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in the case, stating on Saturday that they plan to formally reach out to the Prime Minister regarding the matter.

The situation escalated further on August 14 when a mob of 5,000 to 7,000 people stormed RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, attacking doctors and medical students who were protesting the incident. The mob also attempted to ransack the premises, forcing security forces to intervene and disperse the crowd. In connection with the violence, Kolkata police arrested 19 individuals on August 16.

The case gained national attention after the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, leading to widespread protests from the medical community across the country. The CBI continues to investigate the case while addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders.

Alia Bhatt Responds to Horrific Rape and Murder of Kolkata Doctor: ‘Stop Telling Women to Change…’

August 15, 2024, 4:33 am

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has voiced her strong condemnation of the recent rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The brutal crime, which has deeply shocked the nation, prompted Alia to use Instagram to express her outrage and highlight the persistent issue of women’s safety in India.

In her Instagram post, Alia starkly reminded her followers of the ongoing violence against women, stating, “Another brutal rape. Another day of realizing that women are not safe anywhere.” She drew a parallel with the Nirbhaya case, emphasizing that despite legal reforms and nationwide protests, there has been minimal progress in improving women’s safety.

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A post shared by Alia Bhatt ? (@aliaabhatt)

Alia supported her comments with alarming statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report. She noted that women constitute 30% of India’s doctors and 80% of nursing staff, making them particularly vulnerable in a climate where violence against medical personnel is rising. Additionally, she highlighted a 4% increase in crimes against women since 2022, with over 20% involving rape and assault. Alia pointed out that nearly 90 rapes were reported daily in India in 2022, underscoring the pervasive nature of the violence.

Alia questioned how women can safely navigate their daily lives amidst such threats and stressed that they disproportionately bear the responsibility for their own safety, often with little hope for meaningful change.

She called on authorities to prioritize women’s safety, advocating for the creation of safe spaces and enhanced protection measures. Alia criticized societal structures that perpetuate violence, insisting that real change can only occur if the root causes are addressed.

Her message concluded with a powerful call to action: “Don’t tell women to change their path—change the terrain. Every woman deserves better.”

RG Kar Incident Shakes The Entire Nation

August 15, 2024, 2:39 am

The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has caused nationwide outrage not just because of the heinous nature of the crime, the barbarity involved, and the alleged attempts to cover up the crime, but also because it has touched a chord on an issue that concerns every working Indian woman—that of workplace safety. In the world’s fifth largest economy, where women form a large part of the workforce, why will it be difficult to ensure physical security for women at their workplace? Why would any such incident take place inside an office—as the hospital was in the case of the young woman? Even one such incident in a country of 1.4 billion people should not take place. There is no doubt that the case sheds light on the dangers faced by junior doctors, all of whom have to work night shifts. The doctors are seeing this case through the prism of their own safety at their workplace, given that they often have to face the wrath of the patients’ family members when anything goes wrong. That is the reason why resident doctors went on a two-day nationwide strike earlier this week. But this matter transcends the issue of doctors’ safety. It is an issue of gender violence, safety of women in general, conditions being provided to women at their workplace, as well as a speedy investigation and delivery of justice, apart from the quantum of punishment that should be given in these “rarest of rare cases”.

Specifically on the issue of working conditions for women, working night shifts is a must in many professions, including healthcare and the media. Women stay in office late and return home even later. Most organisations nowadays take cases of sexual harassment very seriously and punish the perpetrators. While there are guidelines on preventing sexual harassment at workplace under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, there also must be pre-emption, especially when it’s about ensuring working women’s physical security. In fact, providing safe transport back home to women who work night shifts should be mandatory. Self-defence lessons should be given to working women as a rule. But what happens when a case of gruesome sexual violence and murder takes place inside the workplace? Then it is a case of criminal laxity—and that’s what the RG Kar administration is guilty of. It allowed the rapist and murderer, Sanjoy Roy to roam freely inside the hospital even though he was not an employee. The Kolkata Police allowed him to pose as a policeman even though he was a mere civic volunteer, and this in spite of knowing that he was acting as a tout and milking the patients. All of them are responsible for what happened to the young woman and should be made accountable for that.

Amid this, what is surprising is the manner in which this sensitive case has been mishandled by the Mamata Banerjee government. The very fact that the college and the principal initially tried to pass off the rape and murder as a case of suicide, proves that an attempt was made to cover up the incident. Mamata Banerjee should have sacked the principal, Sandip Ghosh, just for this reason. Instead, the principal, who had to resign under public pressure, was reinstated by the Chief Minister in a better-ranked medical college within a few hours. It was only the court’s intervention that resulted in the cancellation of the appointment. What kind of influence does the principal of a medical college wield over a state government for him to be reappointed in such a rush? The question that is bothering a lot of people is if the principal knows anything incriminating that may land the ruling party of Bengal in trouble. Rumours are doing the rounds about this being a gang rape, with at least one of the criminals being the son of someone influential. All these could be just rumours and could have been scotched if the Mamata Banerjee government was proactive in handing over the case to the CBI as soon as the medical students made the demand. That would have shown good intent on her part. But Mamata Banerjee’s aversion to the CBI is legendary. She calls the investigating agency partisan and a tool of the Central government to harass its opponents. It is not known if that’s the reason why she refused to meet the students’ demand. But now that the court has asked the CBI to take over the investigation, rumours are swirling in Bengal about the local police destroying evidence—which could be a canard, but the government’s action, or inaction is reinforcing this belief among a public which is furious with the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Adding fuel to the public anger are allegations of corruption and nepotism in the RG Kar Medical College. One such allegation is about the existence of a clique of politically affiliated medical interns who get medical degrees awarded to students who have not qualified, in exchange for money. All this needs a thorough investigation. There must be transparency.

No government can come across as insensitive on the issue of crime against women. The Mamata Banerjee government should ensure that the guilty—if there are more than one—are caught and no allegation of cover-up is hurled at her government. That is the least she can do to give justice to the young woman who lost her life in such a gruesome manner.

‘Night Is Ours’: Kolkata Women Protest For Justice In Doctor’s Death

August 13, 2024, 10:57 am

Women in Kolkata and across West Bengal are set to stage a significant protest late tomorrow night in response to the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest, scheduled to start at 11:55 pm, has been titled, “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence,” symbolizing a call for safety and justice.

The movement has gained momentum on social media, with posters and protest locations being widely shared. New spots are continually being added as more people, including those from state suburbs, pledge to join the demonstration. Men have also expressed their solidarity and will participate in large numbers. Several well-known personalities, such as actors Swastika Mukherjee and Churni Ganguly, along with filmmaker Pratim D Gupta, have urged the public to gather at the most convenient protest points.

The brutal incident has left Kolkata in shock. The victim, a doctor on night duty, was found dead on Friday morning in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College. Her body bore severe injuries, including on her eyes, face, neck, limbs, and private parts. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer known to frequent the hospital, has been taken into custody in connection with the crime.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given Kolkata police until Sunday to conclude the investigation. She assured that if the victim’s family requests it, the state government will recommend a CBI probe. “The state government has nothing to hide,” she stated.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal emphasized that authorities are questioning everyone who was near the scene at the time of the crime. “We are confident that if there are other culprits, they will be arrested within the next four to five days,” he said.

The midnight protest is expected to draw significant attention as people demand justice for the young doctor and call for greater safety for women in the state.