TMC Leader Demands Custodial Interrogation of Kolkata Police Commissioner

A heated debate has erupted within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The focal point of the discussion is whether Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal should undergo custodial interrogation. This controversy has sparked significant internal strife within the party, highlighting the complexities of political responses to high-profile criminal cases. Veteran TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has been vocal in his criticism of the investigation’s handling. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ray expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the case has been managed. He called for the custodial interrogation of both the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, and Commissioner Goyal. Ray’s demands stem from several concerns he raised about the investigation’s integrity, including questions about the delay in using a sniffer dog, the demolition of a key wall, and who might have influenced the narrative around the case.

“CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of Ex Principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated the suicide story. Why was the wall demolished? Who patronized Roy to be so powerful? Why was the sniffer dog used after three days? Hundreds of such questions need answers,” Ray asserted in his post. Ray’s call for Goyal’s interrogation has not been universally accepted within the TMC. Kunal Ghosh, another prominent party leader, has strongly opposed this demand. Ghosh acknowledged the need for justice in the RG Kar case but rejected the notion of interrogating the police commissioner. He defended Goyal, stating, “After getting the information, he has tried his best. Personally, CP was doing his job, and the investigation was in a positive focus. This kind of post is unfortunate, especially coming from my senior leader.” Ray’s outspoken stance on the issue, including his participation in a nationwide midnight protest, has led to speculation about his position within the party. Ray, who announced his involvement in the protest on X, emphasized his personal connection to the case, stating, “Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters, particularly because I have a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may.”

In response to queries about his potential expulsion from the party, Ray remained defiant. He responded to concerns about his fate by asserting his commitment to justice, saying, “Please need not worry for my fate. Blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I’m least bothered.” The controversy surrounding Ray’s comments has also intersected with other party dynamics. Trinamool leader Santanu Sen, who is also a doctor, recently claimed that he had been removed from his position as the party’s spokesperson due to his criticism of Dr. Ghosh. Sen, who perceived his removal as a punishment for his outspoken stance, lamented the party’s treatment of loyal members compared to those who have defected. “I did not speak against the party nor any leader,” Sen said, expressing discontent with what he views as an unjust sidelining of a “devoted and true soldier of the party.” The situation within the TMC reflects broader tensions in political responses to sensitive criminal cases and the challenges of balancing party loyalty with public accountability. As the debate continues, the party faces the task of navigating these internal conflicts while addressing the serious issues raised by the RG Kar case.