After Tala OC's arrest, will CBI question CP Vineet Goyal next?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case following the arrest of Abhijit Mondal, former officer-in-charge (OC) of Tala police station. The CBI is now reportedly preparing to summon Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal as part of the investigation, raising questions about the top brass of the city's police force.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the CBI believes there may have been a larger conspiracy in the case, and the police commissioner is likely to be called in for questioning after a Supreme Court hearing on the case, scheduled for Tuesday. In addition to Goyal, several other senior police officers are also under scrutiny and may be summoned for interrogation soon.

Abhijit Mondal was arrested on Saturday for alleged negligence in duty related to the case. CBI officials suspect that Mondal may have deliberately mishandled key aspects of the investigation. The central agency is investigating whether Mondal acted on orders from higher authorities or if there was any attempt to protect certain individuals involved in the case.

Mondal has been questioned several times by the CBI before his arrest, and investigators believe that his actions may have contributed to misleading the probe. His overnight interrogation at the CGO Complex has reportedly brought several inconsistencies to light, including discrepancies in his statements and call records.

During the investigation, senior officers like the Deputy Commissioners of Detective Department Special and North were also questioned, and their responses have led to further doubts about the role of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. The CBI has obtained a call record that suggests Mondal was in contact with Goyal during the period under investigation, though Mondal has avoided addressing this when questioned.

Goyal had earlier defended his actions during the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 14, stating that neither he nor his team were involved in any wrongdoing. However, the CBI's findings so far have raised concerns over the potential destruction of evidence and cover-ups within the police department.