Kolkata: A consultant psychiatrist has claimed that the RG Kar hospital rape and murder victim was under acute mental stress for various reasons and had sought professional help from him around a month before her death on 9 August last year.

Long duty hours, discrimination in shift allotments, and "knowledge about irregularities" in the state-run hospital had been causing extreme mental discomfort to the 30-year-old medical professional, psychiatrist Mohit Ranadip alleged on Monday.

Speaking to a leading Bengali television channel, Ranadip stated that he was willing to testify before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the rape and murder case.

"She had told me about 36 hours of continuous duty, discrimination in the shift roster, and the acute mental pressure she was under as she had witnessed several irregularities in the purchase of medicines and medical equipment. I asked her if everyone was given similar shifts, and she replied in the negative," Ranadip said.

The psychiatrist further mentioned that he had provided counselling to the postgraduate trainee (PGT) and had advised follow-up sessions, but she could not return for further consultation.

Allegations of victimisation for exposing irregularities

The victim’s parents and some of her colleagues had previously alleged that she was being victimised for pointing out certain improprieties in the hospital’s procurement of medicines and equipment, which she had come across during her duty hours.

Dr Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital at the time of the incident, was later arrested in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the medical institution.

Political reactions to the case

Several leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had repeatedly emphasised that the party supported a thorough investigation by the CBI. However, the party also accused the Left and certain groups of making false allegations against the state government and health service doctors in an attempt to tarnish their reputation.

Calcutta High Court demands CBI report

On Monday, the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to submit the case diary related to its investigation on the next hearing date. The court also inquired whether the central agency was examining the possibility of gang rape or the destruction of evidence as part of its probe.

The victim’s body was found in the seminar room of the state-run hospital in north Kolkata on 9 August 2024.

Conviction of the accused

Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, was arrested by Kolkata Police on charges of raping and murdering her. Following a high court order, the CBI took over the investigation and also named Roy as the sole accused in the case. In January, the trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment until the end of his natural life.

PTI