Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: College student arrested for ‘provocative’ social media posts against Mamata

Police said they received a complaint that the student uploaded three Instagram stories related to the rape and murder case at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, allegedly disclosing the victim’s name and identity.

“The accused person also shared two stories against the CM of West Bengal containing offensive comments and threats to her life,” claimed Kolkata police officials. An investigation into the case is in progress, they said.

The student has been booked under BNS sections 351 (2), 353(1), and 352, dealing with an intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, and sections 72 and 79 which deal with words, gestures and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

Meanwhile, Kolkata police also sent notice to seven SFI-DYFI leaders for questioning in connection with sharing information related to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A notice has also been issued to another doctor for “misleading information”. They have been asked to appear on Monday.

Kolkata police have already sent notice to two prominent doctors and a senior BJP leader, asking them to appear at the police headquarters as part of efforts to address the unlawful disclosure of the the victim’s identity and the “spread of misinformation” on social media.

Police have reportedly been sending notices to several people for allegedly either revealing the identity of the victim or sharing “misinformation” in connection with the rape-murder case. About 65 people have been issued notice in two separate cases of unlawful disclosure and “countering misinformation” respectively, police said.

Dr Kunal Sarkar, who was accused of revealing the victim’s identity, denied the allegation. “I have never revealed the name or identity of the victim. I have questions about this case like everyone else. Maybe they don’t want people to share views on this case and it is an attempt to stop people from sharing their anguish,” Sarkar told a news channel.