BJP leader, doctors summoned over 'fake news' on Kolkata rape-murder
What's the story
The Kolkata Police has issued notices to two doctors and a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader for allegedly spreading false information and revealing the identity of a trainee doctor who was raped and killed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The individuals summoned are Dr. Kunal Sarkar, Dr. Subarna Goswami, and former MP Locket Chatterjee.
They have been directed to appear at the police headquarters in Lalbazar by 3:00pm on Sunday.
Misinformation allegations
Doctors accused of spreading false information related to investigation
The police have accused Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Goswami of circulating false information related to the investigation and post-mortem report of the case.
Dr. Goswami is said to have given interviews to media outlets claiming to have access to the post-mortem report, which supposedly revealed startling information such as the presence of 150 mg of semen and a fractured pelvic bone, hinting at gang rape.
Refutation
Kolkata Police refutes claims made by doctors
The Kolkata Police have categorically denied these claims, labeling them as baseless and harmful rumors.
According to official statements, the post-mortem report contains no such findings.
"Someone said 150 gm semen is found. I don't know from where they have found this kind of information. And it is circulating in media in all kinds of forms. People are tempted to believe it and they are trying to create confusion among the people," Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Goyal clarified.
Identity disclosure
BJP leader summoned for disclosing victim's identity
In addition to the doctors, BJP leader Chatterjee has been summoned for allegedly disclosing the identity of the rape victim, a serious violation under Indian law.
India Today reported that sources within the police department have indicated that this disclosure, coupled with the spread of misinformation, has complicated the ongoing investigation.
Two separate cases have been registered by Kolkata Police - one for disseminating misleading information and another for unlawfully revealing the victim's identity.
Accusation
Chatterjee accuses Kolkata Police of prioritizing social media monitoring
Responding to the summons, Chatterjee accused the Kolkata Police of prioritizing monitoring social media posts over ensuring justice for the victim.
"The victim in the RG Kar case is still crying awaiting trial. But the Kolkata Police now has only one job, judging posts of opposition leaders and common people by going through social media," she posted in Bangla on X.