Kolkata Police have summoned Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray for allegedly posting misleading information on social media regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has drawn significant attention and controversy.
On Sunday, Ray was summoned under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) to report to Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, by 4 pm. However, sources indicate that Ray does not intend to comply with the summons.
Ray had claimed on social media that the sniffer dog squad was dispatched three days after the discovery of the victim’s body on August 9. The Kolkata Police have countered this assertion, stating that the sniffer dog was actually deployed twice: once on August 9 and again on August 12. The police have issued a notice to Ray to correct the record.
The summons follows recent notices issued to BJP leader and actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee, along with two doctors, Kunal Sarkar and Subarno Goswami, for spreading misinformation about the case.
Ray, aged 75, had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation’s progress and called for the custodial interrogation of former RG Kar Medical College Principal Dr Sandip Ghosh and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. He questioned various aspects of the investigation and the handling of the case.
“CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of the Ex-Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to uncover who and why floated the suicide story. Why was the wall of the hall demolished? Why was the sniffer dog used after three days? Hundreds of such questions need answers,” Ray posted.
Ray’s call for Commissioner Goyal’s interrogation has not been universally supported within the Trinamool Congress. Kunal Ghosh, a prominent party leader, has opposed Ray’s demands. Ghosh defended the police’s efforts, stating, “I also demand justice in the RG Kar case but strongly oppose this demand regarding the Commissioner. He has tried his best, and the investigation was focused positively.”
Ray was also among the first TMC leaders to participate in a nationwide midnight protest against the assault, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. He highlighted his personal connection to the issue, stating, “Tomorrow, I will join the protesters. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women.”
When questioned about the potential repercussions for his actions, Ray responded confidently, “Please do not worry about my fate. The blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I am not concerned.”
In addition to Ray, the Kolkata Police have issued notices to BJP leader Locket Chatterjee and doctors Kunal Sarkar and Subarno Goswami, addressing their roles in the dissemination of misinformation regarding the incident.