CBI gets court nod for polygraph test on ex-principal Sandip Ghosh, 4 others in Kolkata rape-murder case

Former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and four other doctors are slated to undergo a polygraph test in connection with the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. The CBI had approached the Calcutta High Court to seek permission for the test after finding discrepancies in their statements during the investigation.

“We will corroborate their statements with the result of the polygraph test to verify their statement given to the agency,” a senior CBI official told ANI.

The development also comes a day after the former Deputy Superintendent of the hospital filed a case against Ghosh in the Calcutta HC. Akhtar Ali has alleged the former principal's involvement in a massive nexus of scams. The lengthy list of allegations including biomedical waste, illegal handling of dead bodies, failing students and demanding bribes, awarding unnecessary tenders and operating illegal stall kiosks.

Ghosh was previously questioned by the CBI about his response to the incident, notification to police and parents, and other aspects. 

Meanwhile, several leader doctors' bodies halted their 11-day strike on Thursday evening following an appeal from the Supreme Court. The apex court had urged health professionals to resume their duties during a hearing on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also said that the court would upon authorities to not take adverse action against them.

The apex court took up the case suo motu earlier this month and directed the task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

The top court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report on the status of the investigation in the rape case. Also, the court asked the West Bengal government to file a status report on the mob attack incident that took place at the RG Kar hospital on August 15.

(With inputs from agencies)