RG Kar rape-murder case takes fresh turn as ex-TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh arrested over cremation probe

Ghosh, the former MLA from Panihati, was arrested by West Bengal police from a hotel near Puri after a fresh First Information Report (FIR) was registered in connection with allegations surrounding the hurried cremation of the young doctor whose rape and murder triggered nationwide protests.

According to police sources, Ghosh had travelled to neighbouring Odisha after the new FIR was registered and was using a new SIM card to remain in contact with a small circle of associates.

Police reportedly traced his movements through mobile tower data before conducting a raid at around 9 am on Thursday.

He was subsequently taken into custody from the hotel.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by the victim's father at Khardah police station in North 24 Parganas.

The complaint alleges criminal conspiracy, suppression of evidence and coercion in connection with the cremation of his daughter's body.

Fresh FIR after probe into cremation

The new investigation began after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate to examine what happened at the crematorium following the doctor's death.

The directive came during a memorial programme held in Panihati on the second anniversary of the incident on August 9.

The victim's father subsequently submitted a written complaint, naming Ghosh, neighbour Sanjib Mukhopadhyay and local TMC councillor Somnath Dey.

The complaint alleged that political influence was used to ensure that the body was taken for cremation quickly after the post-mortem examination.

According to the family's allegations, the body was handed over to the family after the post-mortem, but local political figures and their associates allegedly exerted pressure to complete the cremation without delay.

The family has also questioned why Ghosh and the other named individuals were allegedly so actively involved in arranging the cremation.

Allegations over the order of cremation

According to the allegations cited in the reports, the victim's body had been third in line at the Natagarh Kadamtala crematorium under Ghola police station.

However, the family alleged that the cremation was moved ahead and carried out as the first cremation.

The reports also allege that the prescribed cremation fee was waived and that the required signature from a close relative of the deceased was not obtained.

The allegations have now become part of the fresh police investigation.

Speaking at the Panihati memorial programme, Adhikari alleged that illegalities had taken place during the cremation process and directed the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding it.

He had also alleged that Ghosh, Dey and Mukhopadhyay were involved in the episode.

The victim's father has made similar allegations in his latest complaint, claiming that the family was pressured to take the body to the cremation ground quickly and that several relatives did not get sufficient time to pay their final respects.

Ghosh to be taken to Bengal

According to the reports, Ghosh was expected to be produced before an Odisha court before being brought to West Bengal on transit remand.

He could subsequently be produced before a court in Barrackpore on Friday.

West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, reacting to Ghosh's arrest, said, “This should have happened earlier.”

New probe comes 2 years after RG Kar murder

The fresh probe comes two years after the rape and murder of the young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.

The case had sparked widespread protests across Kolkata and several other parts of India, with doctors, students and members of the public demanding accountability and justice.

The initial investigation was conducted by Kolkata Police, which arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the principal accused.

The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a Calcutta High Court order.

The CBI later filed a chargesheet naming Roy as the sole accused, and a Sealdah court subsequently convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

However, the victim's family has repeatedly raised questions about aspects of the investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the events immediately following the discovery of the body.

Ghosh's arrest follows earlier arrest of his son

Nirmal Ghosh's arrest also comes nearly a month after his son, Tirthankar Ghosh, was arrested in a separate case relating to post-poll violence.

Tirthankar Ghosh was arrested on July 13, according to reports, and he is now in judicial custody.