Two days after Kolkata’s top cop denied any attempt to cover up the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has demanded “custodial interrogation” by the CBI for both the police commissioner and the medical institution’s former principal, Dr Sandip Ghosh.

Ray’s demand comes as the CBI has taken over the investigation into the case, which involves a 31-year-old doctor’s tragic death. Ray has urged the CBI to scrutinise several critical aspects: why the hospital initially labelled the death as a suicide, why the wall of the seminar hall where the body was found was demolished, and who supported the main accused, civic police volunteer Sanjay Roy.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ray emphasized the need for a fair investigation. “CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story. Why was the wall of the hall demolished? Who patronised Roy to be so powerful? Why was a sniffer dog used only after three days?” he questioned.

Ray had earlier written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 16, advocating for a stringent central law to prevent violence against women. In his letter, he highlighted the need for immediate reporting and recording of complaints related to sexual harassment and violence, suggesting that police officers failing to act promptly should be suspended.

On August 14, Ray participated in a dharna in solidarity with the midnight protests, expressing his personal commitment to the cause by drawing parallels with his own family.

In response to the backlash, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal defended the initial investigation, urging people to trust the CBI’s new probe. Goyal criticized the ongoing rumour-mongering and reassured the public that any wrongdoing by the police would be held accountable.

The BJP has intensified its criticism of the Kolkata Police, alleging that evidence may have been destroyed under the instructions of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya suggested that the police may have played a role in wiping out evidence, adding to the growing scrutiny of the case’s handling.

The Calcutta High Court had transferred the case to the CBI on August 13, following criticism of the police’s initial handling of the investigation. The transfer came amidst protests by junior doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College, who voiced concerns about evidence destruction and possible involvement of multiple perpetrators.

In the ongoing investigation, the CBI has questioned Dr Sandip Ghosh for several hours over the weekend. Ghosh, who resigned shortly after the discovery of the trainee doctor’s body on August 9, was interrogated about his actions on the night of the incident, his initial response, and the hospital’s procedures. The CBI is expected to question around 40 individuals, including doctors and police officers, with over 20 already interviewed.

The political debate surrounding the case has escalated, with accusations and counteraccusations between parties, further complicating the investigation and public perception of the incident.

Read More : MHA Orders 2-Hourly Updates Amid Nationwide Protests Over Doctor’s Murder