Kolkata: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Calcutta High Court requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the mysterious death of Dr. Dipro Bhattacharya, a respected anesthetist associated with Jhargram Medical College Hospital. The case is expected to be reviewed next week by a Division Bench led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya.
Dr. Bhattacharya, a senior resident in the Anaesthesia Department, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room within Jhargram town. It was reported that Dr. Bhattacharya, who was staying on a rental basis along with his colleagues, had not been responsive to repeated calls from his family and peers on the morning of the incident. Consequently, the local police were alerted and quickly responded by breaking into his room around 11 a.m. Upon entry, they discovered his lifeless body, a note, and a syringe lying beside him, which raised further questions about the nature of his death.
Authorities seized Dr. Bhattacharya’s mobile device, which revealed significant WhatsApp messages exchanged just before his death. These messages, which were shared between the doctor, his wife, and a group of his medical colleagues, reportedly discussed various “personal, mental, professional, and family issues.” The retrieved conversations also unveiled that Dr. Bhattacharya had shared serious concerns about the “threat culture” and alleged corruption within the medical sector. In particular, he highlighted a message directed at a group of colleagues where he criticized those perpetuating fear among medical students and promoting nepotism. He drew parallels between these individuals and the former Principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, who is currently under judicial custody for unrelated charges.
The death of Dr. Bhattacharya, who was regarded as a dedicated and ethical medical professional, has sent shockwaves through the medical community, sparking demands for a thorough investigation. The recent filing of the PIL adds to these calls for clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death, which many believe may be linked to systemic issues within the healthcare sector.
According to the latest media reports from The Statesman, the PIL was filed by Bijoy Kumar Singhal, who has called for an independent investigation by the CBI. Mr. Singhal, in his statement to the press, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the ongoing investigation by the local authorities. He emphasized that only a central agency like the CBI could conduct a fair and unbiased probe into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Dr. Bhattacharya’s death.
The content of Dr. Bhattacharya’s messages has led to speculations about the underlying factors that may have contributed to his tragic demise. Allegations of widespread corruption, harassment, and intimidation within the medical sector have been underscored by his final communications. These revelations have reignited the debate over the need for systemic reforms in the healthcare sector, particularly in addressing the issues of corruption and mental health among medical professionals.
The Calcutta High Court is now being urged to take cognizance of the matter and consider the request for a CBI investigation. Advocates of the PIL argue that the involvement of the central agency is crucial to uncover the truth, as local investigations may be compromised due to internal pressures.
As the case awaits a hearing, it is anticipated that the demand for a central investigation will intensify, with many in the medical community and civil society groups rallying for justice.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)