Kolkata Doctor's Rape-Murder: Row Erupts over ‘Renovation Work’ Near Crime Scene at RG Kar

Kolkata: As investigation continues in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata, it has come to light that renovation work was being carried out near the crime scene at the hospital. 

A political controversy erupted soon after the matter came to light with BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya alleging that it was an attempt to destroy evidence against the accused which could have led the CBI investigating team to the 'murderers'.

For the unversed, a semi-naked body of the doctor was recovered at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The postgraduate medical student was found dead at the seminar hall the hospital. 

No woman is safe in Bengal: BJP's  Amit Malviya

Taking to X, Amit Malviya wrote, "While West Bengal is seething with anger, given Mamata Banerjee's apathy and Kolkata Police’s botched cover-up attempt, RG Kar Medical College authorities break down room walls, inside the Chest Medicine Dept, where the on-duty junior doctor was subjected to brutal rape and murder, destroying what could be crucial circumstantial evidence, which could have led the CBI investigating team to the murderers(sic)."

Malviya claimed that the washroom reserved for women was being damaged, in the guise of renovation, Along with the area marked as Resident Doctor's Area.

He claimed that the renovation was being done inside the Chest Medicine Dept. "Area marked as Resident Doctor's Area and Toilet (Female) inside the Chest Medicine Dept also being broken down in the name of renovation (sic)."

He accused West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee of conniving with others in eliminating the evidence. He alleged that the accused is linked to influential TMC leaders. 

"This leaves no one in doubt that Mamata Banerjee was all along eliminating evidences and covering crime trail to protect those involved in the heinous crime, who, it is speculated, happen to be family members of influential TMC leaders. Repeat: No woman is safe in Bengal," he added.

FORDA Ends Strike

The horrific incident triggered a massive protests across the nation with doctor's body calling a nationwide strike on Tuesday. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) ended strike following night talks with Union health minister JP Nadda over safe working conditions for doctors in the country.

CBI Takes Over Case

Meanwhile, police on Saturday arrested a civic volunteer, identified as Sanjoy Roy, in connection with the crime. Amid a  massive uproar over the rape and murder, the case was transferred to the CBI. A CBI team arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday. The accused was taken to the CBI office for questioning.

How Police Identified Rape-Murder Accused

The arrested accused in Kolkata trainee doctor rape and murder case had left behind a torn part of the Bluetooth earphone at the crime scene, leading to his arrest, according to media reports.

For the unversed, a semi-naked body of a woman trainee doctor was recovered at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The postgraduate medical student was found dead at the seminar hall the hospital.

The recovery of his gadget turned out to be the main evidence against him. Additionally, a CCTV footage also located him at the crime scene at the likely time of occurrence. According to sources, the accused was seen entering the hospital at around 4am. He was also spotted interrogating the police in CCTV footage.

Media reports stated that the accused was seen wearing the earphones while entering the hospital. However, CCTV footage revealed that it was missing when he came out of the hospital, proving a crucial lead in the case.

Reports suggested that investigating officers recovered the torn part of the earphone which was found at the crime scene and were able to establish its connection with the suspect, helping them crack the case.

Roy has been charged under Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused appeared before Sealdah Court, which has remanded him to police custody until August 23.