R.G. Kar issue: Docs, public express outrage over ‘default bail’ to accused

Kolkata is on the brink of another wave of protests, as both the medical community and the general public are expressing outrage over the granting of 'default bail' to two individuals — former R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh and former officer-in-charge, Tala police station, Abhijit Mondal, the latter accused of evidence tampering in the high-profile case of the tragic sexual assault and murder of a junior doctor at the hospital.

The decision to grant default bail — given the lack of a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) charge sheet within the mandatory 90-day period — has sparked significant anger, particularly among the medical fraternity, which has been vocal about the perceived injustice and mishandling of the case. The junior doctor's death had previously led to widespread protests, highlighting concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals and the need for justice in such cases.

The problem was compounded when the investigation was taken away from Kolkata Police — who arrested KP civic volunteer Sanjay Rai as the sole perpetrator in the case within hours of the incident — and handed over to the CBI via a Calcutta High Court order. Under pressure to prove that the crime wasn't the work of one man but the result of a larger conspiracy, the CBI failed to come up with more suspects, instead arresting Ghosh on charges of financial and other irregularities at the hospital.

Also in keeping with a narrative made up of a strange concoction of truths, half-truths and outright lies propagated largely by local mainstream media, the Central agency arrested Mondal and slapped several charges including that of evidence tampering on him, though none of the charges have been proved yet.

Adding another piquant angle to the mix is the decision by senior advocate Vrinda Grover — who was representing the family of the deceased doctor — to withdraw her firm from the case citing “intervening factors and circumstances”.

In a written statement, the firm said: “As lawyers and officers of the court, Advocate Vrinda Grover and her legal associates render legal services, only in accordance with law, evidence and professional ethics.”

The junior doctors, who had previously been at the forefront of protests demanding justice and better safety for healthcare professionals, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the CBI probe. They feel that the granting of bail to the accused, especially at this critical juncture in the case, undermines the gravity of the crime and the fight for justice.

The protests are expected to grow in intensity as both healthcare professionals and citizens demand a thorough investigation and fair legal proceedings in the case. This situation underscores the deepening frustration with the legal system and its handling of such sensitive and high-profile cases.

The protest, which had garnered widespread attention and support, had focused on holding the 'perpetrators' accountable and ensuring that the healthcare system is a safer environment for medical professionals.

With the bail being granted, the junior doctors and their supporters are now questioning the efficiency and impartiality of the investigation, further fuelling their concerns about the pursuit of justice in the case.

The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), which announced day-long protests on Saturday primarily targeting the CBI, has indicated that its members may resume their "ceasework protests" in the future. These protests were previously withdrawn a couple of months ago, with the junior doctors citing the larger public interest as their reason for halting the demonstrations following discussions with chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

However, given the recent frustration over the failure of the CBI to file the charge sheet on time, the WBJDF has hinted that they may once again resort to such drastic measures if they feel the justice process is being further delayed or mishandled.

This potential escalation in protests may once again disrupt the healthcare services, adding pressure on authorities to address the concerns raised by the medical fraternity.