Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Nirmal Ghosh was arrested on Thursday in connection with the alleged hasty cremation of the junior doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in 2024. Police arrested Ghosh in Odisha and said he was being brought to Kolkata by road. He is expected to be produced before a court on Friday.
Ghosh has been booked on charges including destruction of evidence, criminal conspiracy and forcing someone to act against their will. According to the police, he had allegedly been absconding since July 11.
Ghosh, along with the other accused, has denied the allegations. They have maintained that they were only attempting to assist the victim’s family during the difficult circumstances following the crime.
Nirmal Ghosh’s daughter, Chhanda, defended her father and said he had cooperated with investigators during the earlier probe. According to her, Ghosh had responded to three summons issued by the investigating authorities two years ago. She also claimed that the state police had made arrangements to transport the victim’s body to Panihati for cremation.
The initial investigation into the rape and murder was subsequently taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency's investigation led to the conviction of Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the case.
The fresh probe is expected to examine the allegations against the political leaders and determine whether there was any attempt to interfere with the cremation process or obstruct the investigation.
The latest development has brought renewed attention to the allegations surrounding the handling of the victim’s body after the crime. Investigators will now examine the sequence of events leading up to the cremation, the role allegedly played by the accused individuals and whether established procedures were followed.
The case continues to remain politically sensitive, with the ruling party and opposition parties facing scrutiny over their respective roles and responses. While the accused have denied wrongdoing, the investigation will determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence.