CBI Arrests Ex-Principal in Kolkata Rape Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested former RG Kar Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh in connection with a probe into alleged financial irregularities and his role in the investigation of the rape and murder of a doctor at the hospital. The arrest comes after the agency named Ghosh in an FIR related to financial misconduct.

• Ghosh was questioned for 15 days at the CBI’s Salt Lake office.
• He was later arrested and taken to the CBI’s Nizam Palace office in Kolkata, which houses the agency’s anti-corruption wing.

Probe Into Financial Misconduct

The CBI is investigating alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar Hospital during Ghosh’s tenure. The investigation was initiated following a Calcutta high court directive.

• The FIR names Ghosh and three Kolkata-based private entities.
• The CBI conducted a day-long search operation at Ghosh’s residence in Kolkata in connection with the corruption case.

The Rape and Murder Case

The CBI is also investigating the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at the seminar hall of the state-run hospital in the wee hours of August 9th. This case is a separate but parallel investigation.

• The CBI is trying to determine if there was a delay in informing Ghosh about the incident.
• The agency is also looking into whether there was any negligence on the part of the hospital authorities in handling the case.

Enforcement Directorate Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case to probe alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during Ghosh’s tenure.

Indian Medical Association Suspends Ghosh

The Indian Medical Association has suspended Sandip Ghosh’s membership.

West Bengal Government Proposes Death Penalty for Rape Convicts

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has proposed capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim’s death or cause her to become vegetative. This proposal comes in the wake of the recent rape and murder case at RG Kar Hospital.

• The draft bill also states that persons convicted of rape and gang-rape would receive a life sentence lasting for the rest of their natural lives.