In a significant development in the case of a female doctor’s rape and murder, the Sealdah Court has denied bail to Sandeep Ghosh, former principal of the hospital, and Abhijit Mondal, former officer-in-charge of Tala Police Station. The court has observed that if the charges against them are proven, they could face the death penalty. Both individuals have been placed in judicial custody until September 30.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Sandeep Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal following allegations related to the brutal incident. During the hearing on September 25, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the charges and stated that the social status and influence of the accused must be considered. Despite their lawyers filing for bail, the court rejected the plea.
The court further remarked that the investigation is in full swing and the charges against both men are of an extremely grave nature. If proven guilty, the accused could face the death penalty, which is reserved for the “rarest of rare” cases. The judge also dismissed the CBI’s request for specific custody duration, stating that the court will determine the appropriate timeframe for judicial custody.
Sandeep and Abhijit’s lawyers argued against the allegations, questioning the delay in the FIR and the CBI’s failure to add specific charges. However, the court maintained that the ongoing investigation warranted their continued custody.
The CBI has also sought permission for polygraph and narco-analysis tests on the accused, which the court approved. The next hearing, scheduled for September 30, will address these tests and continue the investigation.
The incident, which occurred on August 9, shocked the state after the body of the female doctor was found under suspicious circumstances. Initial investigations led to the arrest of a civic volunteer, but further evidence pointed to the involvement of Sandeep Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal. The CBI took over the investigation following a court order.
The court has rejected the request for a closed-door trial, ruling that hearings will proceed in open court. As the investigation unfolds, both the public and authorities await further developments in this high-profile case.