Kolkata, 15 May (H.S.) : The West Bengal government on Friday suspended three senior IPS officers in connection with the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, announcing a fresh investigation into the incident. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement at Nabanna, stating that a departmental inquiry would be initiated against the officers who were in charge during the incident.

The suspended officers include former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, then Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Indira Mukhopadhyay, and then Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Abhishek Gupta. The Chief Minister alleged negligence in duty and mishandling of the case by the officers concerned.

Adhikari said that after assuming charge as Home Minister, he had sought detailed reports from the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary regarding the RG Kar incident and the subsequent handling of the case by the police administration. He stated that the decision was taken after reviewing the findings and available information.

The Chief Minister further alleged that there had been serious lapses in the filing of the FIR and the initial stages of the investigation. He also claimed that reports in sections of the media suggested attempts were made on behalf of the state government to offer money to the victim’s mother. These allegations would also be examined during the inquiry, he said.

The RG Kar Medical College case had sparked massive protests across West Bengal in August 2024 after a woman doctor was allegedly raped and murdered. At the time, Vineet Goyal was serving as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. Amid widespread public outrage and prolonged protests by junior doctors, he was removed from the post in September 2024 and transferred to the Special Task Force.

Similarly, Abhishek Gupta was also removed from his post following allegations of lapses in the investigation. Indira Mukhopadhyay, who was then serving as DCP of the Central Division, had frequently appeared before the media defending the police’s handling of the situation during the aftermath of the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh