Kolkata doctor's rape-murder: 'Renovation work' near crime scene sparks row
What's the story
A political row has erupted in the Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case over renovation work at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital near the seminar room where the victim's body was recovered.
Amit Malviya, the head of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s IT cell, claimed that walls were demolished in the Chest Medicine Department where the crime occurred.
He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Police of apathy and a failed cover-up attempt.
Allegations
Left groups allege evidence tampering
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students's Federation of India (SFI), both affiliated with CPI(M), also protested against the renovation work at the hospital.
Dr. Subarna Goswami, a member of the Left-affiliated Joint Forum of Doctors, stated that the postmortem report suggested multiple individuals might have been involved in the rape.
The victim's body was discovered in a seminar room just a few days before the renovation work began.
Renovation
Hospital authorities' actions raise questions
The Indian Express reported that hospital authorities had ordered the demolition of a room and a nearby women's toilet to build a rest area in response to students' demands.
These areas were just a few feet away from where the doctor's body was found.
This move has raised questions about the intentions of the authorities, with many suspecting an attempt to tamper with evidence.
Arrest
Civic volunteer arrested; CBI takes over case
The Kolkata Police has arrested a civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, in connection with the crime.
Expressing displeasure over the handling of the case, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case, directing Kolkata Police to hand over all documents immediately.
Roy, who frequently visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, left behind his Bluetooth headphones at the crime scene which helped police establish his presence during the crime.
Crime details
Victim found raped and murdered in hospital's seminar hall
The victim, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was found murdered in the hospital's seminar hall last week.
The autopsy revealed she was raped and tortured, with injuries to several body parts and evidence of "genital torture."
The victim was allegedly throttled and then smothered to death. Her thyroid cartilage was shattered as a result of the strangulation.
She had gone to the seminar hall to rest after having her meal.