Calcutta High Court Allows CBI Polygraph Test in RG Kar Medical Case

High Court Directs CBI for Further Investigation

The Calcutta High Court has granted permission to the CBI to conduct a polygraph test on Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital & Medical College, and five others. This decision is part of a broader effort to investigate the tragic events surrounding the death of a postgraduate trainee doctor, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests.

Transfer of Financial Investigation

In addition to allowing the polygraph tests, the High Court has transferred the investigation of financial irregularities involving Dr. Ghosh to the CBI. This investigation, initially handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), will now be conducted under the CBI’s purview. This change in responsibility comes after a petition by Akhtar Ali, the former deputy superintendent of the hospital, accusing Dr. Ghosh of substantial financial misconduct during his tenure.

Judicial Orders and Security Measures

Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj has instructed the SIT to hand over all relevant documents to the CBI, setting a strict timeline for compliance. The CBI has been given three weeks to prepare and submit a progress report on their findings, scheduled to be presented on September 17. The Court has also made provisions for the petitioner, Akhtar Ali, to request additional security from the CBI if necessary.

Continued Legal Proceedings and Arrests

In a related development, Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the rape and murder case of the postgraduate trainee doctor, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by the Sealdah Court. This custody, supervised by the CBI, will continue until September 6, 2024. The Supreme Court has also taken significant steps, including transferring the security of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to ensure the safety and security of the institution amid ongoing tensions.

Broader Impact on Public Order

The deployment of CISF personnel is expected to strengthen security at the hospital and maintain public order during this sensitive period. These developments come at a time of heightened agitation in West Bengal, where various protests continue to draw attention to the safety of healthcare professionals and the need for justice.

This case highlights the complexities involved in addressing both the immediate criminal investigation and the broader systemic issues within medical institutions. The involvement of the CBI and the High Court’s directives are seen as crucial steps in ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation, as well as in restoring trust in the medical community.