Former Panihati Municipality Chairman Somnath Dey has been remanded to three days of police custody concerning his alleged involvement in the hurried cremation of the body of a victim of rape and murder associated with RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This development took place on September 4, 2026, following Dey’s arrest in Bengaluru on Wednesday after he was reportedly on the run.

Dey was transported back to West Bengal early on Thursday under a transit remand. His arrest is part of a broader investigation aimed at holding officials accountable for alleged cover-up efforts, evidence destruction, and interference shortly after the crime occurred.

Authorities have claimed that Dey played an active role in the organisations’ actions that led to the quick cremation of the victim’s body, actions which allegedly obliterated key physical evidence related to the crime. Reports suggest that the victim’s family did not consent to the cremation and was allegedly unaware of the rapid disposal of the body.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

The Calcutta High Court is currently monitoring the case, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Following the legal proceedings, Dey’s advocate, Arka Chowdhury, referred to the arrest as a “political gimmick” and questioned the legitimacy of the FIR lodged against Dey.

Chowdhury pointed out that the matter is already being addressed by a specially assigned division bench in the Calcutta High Court, which has been established to monitor the parallel Abhaya case. He expressed confusion over the jurisdiction under which the new complaint and FIR had been introduced, arguing that the case lacks substance and merit.

In response to allegations claiming that Dey was in possession of weapons at the time of the cremation, Chowdhury rejected these assertions, describing them as unfounded. He contended that Dey was present solely as a local councillor to support the victim’s parents and not as an aggressor.

Background of the Incident

The case involves a disturbing incident that occurred on August 9, 2024, when a postgraduate trainee doctor was subjected to a brutal sexual assault and murder while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This incident ignited significant public outrage and widespread protests across the nation, with calls for justice and greater accountability from the institutions involved.

Concerns have been raised by civil society members, the victim’s relatives, and investigative bodies regarding several procedural failings and delays in the handling of the case. The rapid cremation of the victim’s body, carried out at the Panihati crematorium, has been a focal point of critique.

The case continues to attract scrutiny as various stakeholders, including the public and authorities, grapple with its implications. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will likely shape the response to issues of institutional responsibility and procedural integrity in handling such grave matters.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share