Bail Granted for Ex-RG Kar Principal and Police Officer in Doctor Rape Case

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 13 : Seldah Court in Kolkata on Friday granted bail to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, and Abhijit Mondal, the former officer-in-charge of Tala police station. As the central bureau of investigation (CBI) failed to submit a charge sheet within the required ninety-day period as per the law causing the release.

Accusations of Evidence Tampering and Hasty Cremation

The family of 31-year-old trainee doctor had asked for second autopsy, and Ghosh and Mondal were arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence and rushing the cremation. The incident, involving the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor by civic volunteer Sanjay Roy on August 9, raised outrage across the country.

CBI Investigation Progress and Legal Opinion

The CBI, investigating the case after a Calcutta High Court order, has filed a charge sheet against Roy but discovered insufficient evidence against Ghosh and Mondal for the delay in their charge sheet. “The CBI didn’t find any evidence against Ghosh and Mondal. The agency couldn’t submit the charge sheet within the time frame, and they were granted bail by the additional chief judicial magistrate’s court in Sealdah,” said Zohaib Rauf, Ghosh’s advocate.

Release Postpones for Sandip Ghosh

While Mondal got bail to leave the Presidency Correctional Home, Ghosh’s release is delayed due to additional charges of financial crimes during his period at RG Kar Medical College from 2021 to 2024. The CBI filed an FIR on August 24, accusing Ghosh and three firms of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Polygraph Tests and Data Tampering Charges

The CBI charged that false records were created in Tala police station to suppress the case. Both Ghosh and Mondal refused polygraph and narco-analysis tests. However, the ongoing investigation includes examining data tampering claims and potential corruption links.

Nationwide Outrage and Current Trial Status

The trainee doctor’s death led to widespread protests and a transfer of the case to the CBI. The agency submitted its first charge sheet on October 7, accusing Roy with rape and murder. The trial continues, with updates recently shared with the Supreme Court on its progress.

This case highlights the complications of legal proceedings and the importance of timely investigations to ensure justice is served. 

By Manasa Permulla