A debate has ignited within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The focus of this argument is whether Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal should be subjected to custodial interrogation.

Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, a veteran TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP, has raised serious questions about the conduct of the investigation. In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Ray expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of the case, calling for the custodial interrogation of both the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr Sandip Ghosh, and Commissioner Goyal.

“CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated suicide story. Why wall of hall demolished, who patronised Roy to be so powerful, Why sniffer dog used after 3 days. 100s of such questions. Make them speak,” Mr Ray posted. 

The call for Commissioner Goyal’s interrogation has, however, not been universally accepted within the party. Kunal Ghosh, another prominent Trinamool leader, strongly opposed the demand.

“I also demand justice in the RG Kar case but strongly oppose this demand regarding CP. After getting the information, he has tried his best. Personally, CP was doing his job, and the investigation was in a positive focus. This kind of post is unfortunate, that too from my senior leader,” Mr Ghosh said.

I also demand justice in RGKar case.
But strongly oppose this demand regarding CP. After got information He has tried his best. Personally CP was doing his job and investigation was in a positive focus. This kind of post is unfortunate, that too from my senior leader. https://t.co/quLVsUEXCd

— Kunal Ghosh (@KunalGhoshAgain) August 18, 2024

Mr Ray was one of the first TMC leaders to announce his participation in the nationwide midnight protest over the rape and murder. He made the announcement on X, expressing solidarity with the protesters.

“Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters, particularly because I have a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may,” Mr Ray posted.

Mr Ray’s stance, however,  led to speculation about his position within the party. When questioned by a user on X about the potential consequences of his actions, including the possibility of being expelled from the Trinamool Congress, Mr Ray responded: “Please need not worry for my fate. Blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I’m least bothered.”

Trinamool leader Santanu Sen, had previously highlighted complaints against Dr Ghosh. Mr Sen, who is also a doctor, recently claimed that he has been removed from his position as the party’s spokesperson – a move he perceives as a punishment for his outspoken criticism. “I did not speak against the party nor any leader,” Mr Sen said, expressing his discontent with what he sees as an unjust sidelining of a “devoted and true soldier of the party,” while others who have defected are treated with respect.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is interrogating Dr Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, who had resigned just days after the doctor’s body was discovered. Dr Ghosh has been questioned multiple times, with sessions extending late into the night, and he remains under intense scrutiny as the probe continues.

A woman resident doctor was allegedly assaulted by a patient and his relatives, who were all in an inebriated state, at Mumbai’s Sion Hospital on Sunday morning, doctors said. This comes amid growing outrage over the horrific rape-murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital that sent shockwaves across the country.

Resident doctors said the attack took place at the hospital at around 3.30 am when the doctor was on duty in the ward.

The accused patient came to the hospital with injuries on his face and while he was being treated, he and his relatives abused and threatened her.

The group of 5-6 drunk men along with the patient then physically assaulted her. She sustained injuries while trying to defend herself, they said.

“This is an incident of 3:30 in the morning today where a patient and some of his relatives reached the hospital in a drunk condition and got into a fight with the woman resident doctor. It is a matter of great concern that this is happening in Mumbai,” Dr Akshay More, head of BMC MARD told NDTV.

Then, the patient and his family fled the scene.

The doctor is currently giving her statement at Sion Police Station and a First Information Report (FIR) is being filed.

Doctors of BMC MARD, an association representing the resident doctors of Sion Hospital, who also reached the police station said the “alarming incident highlights a significant security failure.” “Our doctors safety is non-negotiable. This situation requires immediate attention and implementation of strict security measures in all hospitals,” they added.

Recent diminished rainfall in Bhopal has led to increased air pollution, with the city’s AQI rising from 23 to 70 in just two weeks. Monsoon showers had settled the dust, but damages to roads and ongoing construction have now tripled pollution levels. The increased particulate matter, especially PM2.5, poses significant health risks.