New Delhi: The West Bengal government on Friday suspended three police officers over alleged lapses in the investigation into the RG Kar rape and murder case of 2024. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state would begin departmental proceedings against former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and two other officers linked to the case.
The case relates to the death of a trainee doctor whose body was found inside the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. Investigators later said that the victim had been raped and murdered by civic volunteer Sanjay Roy.
Allegations against officers
According to PTI, the chief minister accused the officers of mishandling the investigation and acting improperly during the early stages of the case.
The officers were allegedly involved in the “mishandling” of the case, “offering money to the victim’s parents as bribe” and addressing an “unauthorised press conference” in connection with the crime.
Adhikari said the disciplinary process would focus only on administrative conduct and would not interfere with the criminal investigation.
State clarifies stand on probe
The chief minister said the actual investigation remains with the Central Bureau of Investigation, which continues to pursue the case in court. He said the departmental inquiry would be led by the state home secretary under the supervision of the chief secretary.
The rape and murder case sparked protests across the country in 2024. Doctors, medical students and healthcare workers held demonstrations demanding justice for the victim and stronger workplace safety measures for medical staff.
Victim’s mother recalls Nabanna visit
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother, who recently won the Panihati assembly seat as a BJP MLA, spoke about her political journey and fight for justice.
According to PTI, she said her oath-taking ceremony marked the beginning of a stronger legal and political fight for her daughter.
“It reminded me of the police lathi-charge I faced last August when I was taking part in Nabanna Abhiyan under the earlier regime. Ironically, this time, Kolkata Police personnel manning the Nabanna gates wanted to take selfies with me and escorted me inside,” she said.
She was among 144 MLAs who took oath during the first day of the swearing-in ceremony at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.