Kolkata: Eighteen doctors, nurses and healthcare workers of R G Kar Medical College, who were vilified on social media as being “missing” since Aug 9, the day the PGT doctor was found raped and murdered, had actually been helping both Kolkata Police and CBI with the investigation and aiding them piece together the sequence events. Far from being missing, as claimed online, these 18 healthcare workers appeared before investigators multiple times and their statements have been recorded.
Of them, 11—four doctor colleagues of the victim who were on duty with her that night and nurses—believed to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case, were examined multiple times, said an officer. Some of them were last to see her alive. All of them now formed a key part of the case diary and probe, said CBI, adding their individual roles were being corroborated. All of them cooperated, said KP as well as CBI officers, and now their statements were being cross-checked with others’ as well as other evidence. Four doctors among them would also be subject to polygraph tests, said an officer. “These doctors studied with the victim. They were practically the last ones to see her alive. A first-year PGT doctor was the first to spot her body. Their roles are of paramount importance,” said a CBI officer.
“Even though my son kept meeting the investigators, his photos were shared online, labelling him as a culprit,” said a parent of one of the vilified healthcare workers outside the CBI’s office at CGO complex on Thursday. TOI had earlier reported on a Bankura teacher lodging a police complaint for his son being wrongfully identified as a “minister’s son, supposedly a shielded culprit”.
A day after the incident, notices were served on the four doctors, who had been with her on night duty, to appear for examination. “Detailed and prolonged” examinations of 12 doctors and nurses was held on Aug 12. On Aug 13, statements of senior doctors, including HoD, chest department, Arunava Dutta Choudhury, and the asst super were recorded. Eight junior doctors were again examined. Several doctors were asked to report to CBI, too.