Kolkata
oi-Swastika Sruti
In one of the latest development, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday ordered a fresh state police investigation into the alleged hurried cremation of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder victim in August 2024.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari ordered a fresh state police probe into the August 2024 cremation circumstances of an RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, examining alleged procedural irregularities alongside the ongoing CBI investigation.
The announcement comes two years after the tragic incident that shook the nation and triggered widespread protests demanding justice for the young doctor. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to probe the main case, the state government has now decided to launch a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s cremation.
Why Is a Fresh Investigation Being Conducted?
The body of the junior doctor was found inside the seminar hall of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on the morning of August 9, 2024. Investigations later confirmed that she had been raped and murdered the previous night.
Soon after the post-mortem, the victim’s body was cremated at the Panihati crematorium in North 24 Parganas.
The cremation had sparked controversy, with allegations that it was conducted in haste to prevent any possibility of a second post-mortem examination.
Several questions regarding the cremation process have remained unanswered, prompting the state government to order a fresh probe.
Chief Minister Announces Fresh Probe
While addressing a memorial programme for the victim in Panihati, the Chief Minister said the new investigation would be carried out under the supervision of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, which has jurisdiction over the area.
He said police would register a separate case to examine the events surrounding the cremation, independent of the CBI’s investigation into the rape and murder.
The Chief Minister said investigators would specifically examine why:
- No cremation fee was reportedly collected.
- The victim’s body was allegedly cremated without the signature of a family member.
- Certain individuals were present during the cremation process.
Three Individuals Under Scanner
The Chief Minister said the role of three individuals would be examined during the fresh investigation:
- Nirmal Ghosh
- Somnath Dey
- Sanjeev Mukherjee
According to him, investigators will look into their alleged involvement during the cremation and determine whether proper procedures were followed.
Officials will also investigate whether there were any irregularities in handling the victim’s body after the post-mortem.
Health Department to Conduct Separate Inquiry
Apart from the police investigation, the West Bengal Health Department has also announced an independent inquiry into the incident.
State Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee said that although the CBI would continue investigating the criminal case, the Health Department would examine issues related to the victim’s workplace and institutional procedures.
The department plans to question:
- Individuals who entered the seminar room before and after the incident.
- Faculty members and professors associated with the victim.
- Other officials connected with the hospital.
The findings of the departmental inquiry will be shared with the CBI.
CBI Probe Continues
The CBI remains the primary agency investigating the rape and murder case under court supervision.
The state government’s fresh investigation is limited to the circumstances surrounding the cremation and will run alongside the ongoing central investigation.
Officials said the objective is to determine whether established legal and administrative procedures were followed while handling the victim’s remains.
