The demand for the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal has escalated following a Supreme Court hearing on the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The case has ignited nationwide protests and intensified scrutiny of the police's handling of the matter.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the pressure but indicated that Goyal's resignation would be delayed until after the upcoming Durga Puja festival. She cited the need for experienced leadership during the event, which requires heightened security measures. "The Police Commissioner has offered to resign multiple times last week," Banerjee said. "With Durga Puja approaching, we need someone with law and order expertise in place. Can you not wait a few days?"
Protesters, backed by opposition parties, have focused on demanding Goyal's resignation following the arrest of Sandip Ghose, the former principal of the hospital where the incident occurred. Concerns have been raised about the role of the police in the investigation, with the victim’s family alleging that they were pressured into cremating their daughter’s body. The family also claimed that a police officer offered them money to cover up the crime.
Criticism has also emerged regarding the 14-hour delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR), which has drawn attention in court. Furthermore, questions have been raised about the decision to conduct the postmortem at RG Kar Medical College, which could present a conflict of interest.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny has further complicated the case, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pointing out the absence of a critical document related to the postmortem. Justice JB Pardiwala noted that the required form, known as a challan, which must accompany the body during postmortem procedures, was missing. "If this document is missing, then something is amiss," Justice Pardiwala stated, prompting further investigation.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, requested additional time to locate the missing document. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) highlighted that the issue of who collected the forensic samples has become a central question in the investigation.
The hearing and the ongoing investigation have cast a spotlight on law enforcement and justice in the state, leading to calls for greater accountability.