The high-profile and deeply sensitive RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case in West Bengal has taken a fresh turn with the reopening of investigations after a full two years. Chief Minister Suvendu अधिकारी announced on Sunday that a brand-new probe will be initiated into the 2024 incident where an on-duty doctor was raped and murdered. This major decision comes in direct response to a formal request made by the victim's mother, who is currently serving as a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA.
CM Suvendu explained that Ratna Debnath, the mother of the victim, had personally requested him to order a reinvestigation into the entire sequence of events. Following detailed discussions with the chief secretary and a dedicated team of experts, the state government formally resolved to launch a fresh inquiry to uncover any unaddressed angles.
Alongside this announcement, Suvendu अधिकारी raised serious questions regarding the role played by the police during the initial stages of the tragedy. He alleged that the police force failed completely in executing their responsibilities properly. The newly announced government probe will specifically examine the lapses committed by the police during the early investigation and determine whether crucial facts were deliberately or negligently ignored at various levels.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister has ordered a separate, distinct inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the cremation of the victim. He has instructed the concerned administrative authorities to take immediate, strict action against anyone found responsible for procedural lapses.
Tributes Across Bengal on the Second Anniversary
Marking the completion of two years since the horrific tragedy at RG Kar Hospital, a two-minute silence was observed on Sunday across all government-run medical facilities in West Bengal. Doctors, nursing staff, and other hospital personnel paid solemn tributes to the doctor who lost her life while performing her professional duties.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Shardwat Mukherjee, along with senior department officials, observed a two-minute silence at Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department located in Salt Lake. Meanwhile, at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital situated in northern Kolkata, doctors, nurses, hospital employees, and deployed paramilitary security personnel stood in silence to pay homage to the departed soul.
During a commemorative gathering, the victim's mother planted a sapling and watered it in loving memory of her daughter. On this occasion, she reiterated her unwavering demand for justice. Ever since the incident first surfaced, the victim's family has persistently maintained that a single individual could not be solely responsible and that the entire conspiracy requires a comprehensive, wide-ranging investigation.
Judicial Status and Ongoing CBI Probe
In connection with the judicial proceedings of this case, the Sealdah Sessions Court previously convicted Sanjay Roy, sentencing him to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. However, the victim's parents and numerous colleagues have consistently claimed that other individuals were likely involved in the heinous crime.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has also been actively probing this alleged wider conspiracy and the potential roles of other actors. Acting on directives issued by the Calcutta High Court, the CBI has been examining the conspiracy angle thoroughly.
Notably, the victim's mother contested the assembly elections held in April of this year from the Panihati constituency in the North 24 Parganas district as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate and secured a victory, thereby entering active politics. Now, the government's announcement of a renewed investigation based on her persistent demand has brought this two-year-old case back to the epicenter of political and legal discourse.
