On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approached the Kolkata High Court for permission to perform a polygraph test on the ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, and four other four officials after discovering instability in their statements at the time of inquiry.
On August 9, while working at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, the postgraduate trainee doctor ‘Abhaya’ was allegedly sexually assaulted and killed. All the doctor’s demands for strict punishment of the perpetrators and increased safety precautions for themselves have resulted in national strikes and protests in response to this incident.
The CBI officer suggested that a polygraph examination would be used to verify their testimonies and corroborate facts. Ghosh had earlier been questioned about his reaction to the incident, communication to police and parents, by and other issues. A top CBI official stated that they had sought the court for authorisation, and once granted, the polygraph test would be done. The Official quoted, “We will corroborate their statements with the result of the polygraph test to verify their statement given to the agency.”
Meanwhile, following the Supreme Court’s hearing, doctors of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi put off their 11-day strike and are back to work as of Thursday. They announced, “In the interest of the nation and the spirit of public service, the RDA, AIIMS, New Delhi, has decided to call off the 11-day strike. This decision comes in response to the appeal and direction of the Supreme Court. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Supreme Court for taking cognizance of the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers across the country.”