West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Suspends Three IPS Officers Over RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Case

Kolkata, May 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced the suspension of three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, in connection with the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.

The decision marks one of the first major administrative actions taken by the newly elected BJP-led government in West Bengal and signals a renewed focus on the controversial case that triggered nationwide outrage and massive protests across the country.

Apart from Goyal, the suspended officers include former Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Division) Abhishek Gupta and former Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) Indira Mukherjee.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing, Chief Minister Adhikari said that departmental proceedings would be initiated against all three officers for alleged lapses in the handling of the investigation.

“As Chief Minister and also the minister in charge of the Home Department, I sought a detailed written report from the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary regarding the RG Kar case and the developments that followed,” Adhikari said.

“I wanted to understand how the officers responsible at that time handled the investigation. Based on the findings, we have taken an administrative decision,” he added.

According to Adhikari, the primary allegations against the suspended officers include mishandling of the investigation, failure to take timely action and delays in filing the FIR.

The Chief Minister also said that the role of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the handling of the case would be reviewed.

“Everything connected to the case will be investigated thoroughly,” he stated.

Allegations of Attempt to Influence Victim’s Family

Adhikari further alleged that there had been attempts to indirectly influence or bribe the victim’s family after the incident.

“Based on media reports, we have come to know that the victim’s mother was allegedly offered money on behalf of the then state government,” he claimed.

The Chief Minister said investigators would examine phone call records, WhatsApp conversations and communication between senior officials and political leaders at the time of the incident.

“It will be investigated who spoke to whom, what instructions were given, and whether any former minister or the then Chief Minister had any role in influencing developments,” he said.

He also raised questions over the role played by IPS officer Indira Mukherjee during the period immediately after the crime came to light.

According to Adhikari, Mukherjee repeatedly addressed media briefings despite not being an authorised spokesperson for either Kolkata Police or the Home Department.

“Her body language and the statements she made during press conferences were not acceptable. No formal written responsibility had been assigned to her. Someone may have verbally instructed her to speak publicly on the matter. All these aspects will now be investigated,” the Chief Minister said.

He clarified that while the state government would conduct its own departmental inquiries, the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case would continue independently.

“The state-level inquiry will not interfere with or affect the CBI investigation in any way,” he assured.

Case That Sparked Nationwide Protests

The body of the junior doctor was discovered inside the premises of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. The incident triggered widespread outrage across West Bengal and the rest of the country.

Doctors, medical students, civil society organisations, celebrities and ordinary citizens joined large-scale demonstrations demanding justice for the victim and accountability from the state administration.

The protests gradually spread beyond West Bengal and drew attention internationally, with criticism mounting over the alleged mishandling of the investigation by Kolkata Police.

The victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, later entered politics and is currently a BJP legislator from the Panihati Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district.

During the height of the protests, demands were repeatedly raised for the removal of Vineet Kumar Goyal and Abhishek Gupta over allegations of negligence and procedural lapses.

Facing mounting public pressure, the then Mamata Banerjee government eventually transferred Goyal and Gupta from their positions. However, Indira Mukherjee continued in her role as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division).

At present, Goyal is serving as Director General of the Intelligence Branch of the state police. Gupta is posted as Commandant of the Eastern Frontier Rifles in the rank of Deputy Inspector General, while Mukherjee is serving as Special Superintendent in the Criminal Investigation Department.

The latest action by the Adhikari government is expected to intensify political debate in West Bengal, while also reviving public attention on one of the state’s most controversial and emotionally charged criminal cases in recent years.

Team Maverick.