In a major development in the alleged rape and murder case of young doctor ‘Abhaya’ at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the newly formed West Bengal government has suspended three senior IPS officers over allegations of negligence in the investigation and destruction of evidence.

The suspended officers: Vineet Goyal, Indira Mukhopadhyay and Abhishek Gupta will also face departmental proceedings as the government moves to reopen the controversial case that had sparked nationwide outrage.

Announcing the decision at a press conference in Nabanna on Friday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government would investigate whether there was any “political or administrative backing” behind the incident.

Political observers believe the statement hints at a possible probe into the role of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Reacting to the development, Abhaya’s mother and newly elected BJP MLA from Panihati, Ratna Debnath, made explosive allegations against the former Chief Minister.

“There is no place for happiness because my daughter will never return but those responsible must now be punished,” Debnath said.

She further alleged, “Vineet Goyal knew everything. The ears have now been pulled; the head will also be caught. All evidence was destroyed on Mamata Banerjee’s instructions.”

Debnath also accused former Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam and officials of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital of being linked to the alleged cover-up.

“Narayan Swaroop Nigam was involved in the murder. The roles of HOD Arunava Dutta Chowdhury and DVP Sumitra Tofadar should also be investigated,” she claimed.

Expressing hope after the change in government, Debnath said she now believes her daughter may finally receive justice.

“I had said earlier that unless Mamata Banerjee was removed from the 14th floor of Nabanna, my daughter would never get justice,” she said.

Experts believe the fresh investigation and the government’s aggressive stance could bring a dramatic new twist to the high-profile case.

Allegations surrounding the hurried cremation of the victim’s body and the presence of outsiders inside the seminar room are now expected to come under renewed scrutiny.