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Kolkata, January 10, 2025: A special court in Kolkata is set to pronounce its verdict on January 18 in the horrifying rape and murder case of a junior woman doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital. The crime, which shocked the city, took place in August of last year, with the victim’s body discovered on the morning of August 9 in the seminar hall within the hospital premises.
The trial process, which began on November 11, 2024, will culminate in the verdict being announced 68 days later. The investigation into the tragic event was initially carried out by a special investigation team (SIT) from the Kolkata Police, leading to the arrest of civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the prime suspect. Roy was subsequently identified by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which later took over the case, as the “sole prime accused” in both the rape and murder of the young doctor.
As the investigation progressed, the CBI arrested two key figures: Sandip Ghosh, the controversial former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, and Abhijit Mondal, the former Station House Officer (SHO) of Tala Police Station, on charges of tampering with evidence. However, both were granted default bail by the special court recently, as the CBI failed to submit a supplementary charge sheet within the 90-day limit from the time of their arrests.
This turn of events has sparked criticism from various sections of society, with many questioning the efficacy and pace of the CBI’s investigation. Ghosh remains in custody due to a separate inquiry by the CBI regarding financial irregularities at R.G. Kar, while Mondal is currently out on bail.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, the victim’s parents have taken their fight to higher courts. They approached the Calcutta High Court and later the Supreme Court, urging for a new investigation into the case. Their plea calls for a deeper probe to uncover the “bigger” conspiracy they believe may be behind the tragic death of their daughter.
As the special court prepares to deliver its verdict, the case remains under intense scrutiny. The community, particularly the medical fraternity, has been left reeling from the loss, calling for justice and demanding accountability from all those involved. The verdict on January 18 is expected to provide clarity on the case, but many questions still linger about the full scope of the conspiracy behind the crime.
