Kolkata: The West Bengal government led by Suvendu Adhikari on Friday suspended three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers over alleged lapses in the handling of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospitalrape and murder case.
The suspended officers are:
- Vineet Goyal, former Commissioner of Kolkata Police
- Indira Mukherjee, former Deputy Commissioner of Police
- Abhishek Gupta, senior IPS officer and former DCP, North Division
The three officers will remain under suspension pending a departmental inquiry into allegations of mishandling, dereliction of duty, and attempts to offer money to the victim’s parents.
CM Suvendu Adhikari Announces Departmental Action
Addressing reporters at the state secretariat in Kolkata, Suvendu Adhikari said the state government had initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers for their role during the initial investigation of the case.
The Chief Minister alleged that the officers were involved in:
- Mishandling of the early investigation
- Dereliction of duty
- Offering money to the victim’s parents
- Conducting an unauthorized press conference
He clarified that the state government is not interfering with the criminal investigation, which continues to be handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and is currently before the courts.
Inquiry to Be Led by Home Secretary
According to the Chief Minister, the departmental inquiry will be conducted by the state Home Secretary under the supervision of the Chief Secretary.
The suspension is being treated as an administrative and disciplinary measure, separate from the ongoing criminal proceedings and court-monitored investigation.
About Vineet Goyal
Vineet Goyal is a 1994-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre and served as Kolkata Police Commissioner from December 2021 to September 2024.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, he has held key positions in the Special Task Force and the state CID and has received two Police Medals for Gallantry along with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
About Indira Mukherjee
Indira Mukherjee is a 2013-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre and a former software professional with Tata Consultancy Services.
She has served as Superintendent of Police of Purba Medinipur and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division, Kolkata Police. She was awarded the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Commendable Service in 2024.
About Abhishek Gupta
Abhishek Gupta is a 2011-batch IPS officer who has served in Darjeeling, the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, and various senior positions within Kolkata Police.
He later served as Commandant of the Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR), 2nd Battalion, and was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Significance of the Suspensions
The action marks one of the most significant disciplinary measures taken by the new West Bengal government and signals an effort to fix accountability in one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the state in recent years.
The RG Kar case triggered widespread protests, judicial scrutiny, and national attention over alleged procedural lapses during the early stages of the investigation.
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