Kolkata rape-murder: Who is Anup Dutta, the policeman under scanner as CBI demands polygraph test?

In a significant development in the investigation of the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought for a polygraph test for Anup Dutta, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) with the Kolkata Police

Dutta’s name emerged during the investigation after cops found that Sanjay Roy, the only person arrested so far in the case, had contacted him on the morning of August 9, when the body of the trainee doctor was recovered from the state-run hospital.

According to reports, Dutta’s alleged connections with Roy have raised suspicions of his involvement in a potential cover-up of the gruesome crime, leading the CBI to intensify its probe.

Here’s what we know about ASI Anup Dutta and his connection to the case.

Who is Anup Dutta?

The ASI is under CBI’s radar after it discovered his links to Roy and found that he had purportedly extended favours to him.

Dutta is facing allegations that he has reportedly granted Roy several unauthorised favours, such as access to police quarters and a police motorcycle—privileges Roy, a police civic volunteer, was not entitled to. Roy was also provided with a bed in the barracks of the fourth battalion of the Kolkata Police illegally.

The CBI’s scrutiny of Dutta deepened when it emerged that he is believed to have been closely associated with Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College during his tenure at the medical college. This connection came to light after photos of Dutta and Ghosh together surfaced on social media, Hindustan Times reported.

Ghosh, who is also under CBI investigation, has recently undergone a polygraph test and a Layered Voice Analysis (LVA) test, to identify his links to the case.

Also read: After Hathras, women CBI officials investigate Kolkata rape-murder: Who are they?

How is Dutta linked to the Kolkata rape case?

Dutta is a member of the Kolkata Police Welfare Committee, to which the accused Sanjay Roy was also attached.

As part of his duties, Roy was assigned to visit police personnel and their relatives who were admitted to various hospitals. Investigators believe this role gave Roy access to hospital premises, which might explain how he entered the RG Kar Medical College on night of the incident.

However, it remains to be investigated, how did Roy gain access to the third-floor seminar hall, where the victim’s body was found? Outsiders are typically prohibited from entering hospital wards during late hours, making this aspect particularly suspicious.

The CBI investigators further discovered through Roy’s call records that he had called Dutta on the morning of August 9, the day the brutalised body of the junior doctor was recovered from the hospital.

Sources revealed to News18 that the central agency is probing the angle if Dutta helped Roy destroy evidence or escape in any way. They are also investigating whether the police officer was aware of the crime.

Earlier, visuals of Dutta running away from reporters went viral across social media during the initial days of the CBI investigation.

The central agency has sought permission from the Sealdah Court to conduct a polygraph test on Dutta, which will only proceed after receiving his consent.

A TMC connection?

A day after the CBI called for a polygraph test on ASI Anup Dutta, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar raised concerns about Dutta’s close ties with Sanjay Roy.

On Wednesday, Majumdar publicly questioned this relationship, pointing to photos of Dutta and Roy at a gathering, which he claimed included leaders from the ruling TMC in South Dinajpur.

“Not just a champion in running, but also in party connections! Engaged in a gathering with TMC leaders of South Dinajpur are none other than Kolkata Police’s notable ASI Anup Dutta, alongside Civic Volunteer Sanjay!” Majumdar wrote in a post on X.

Majumdar went further, questioning the safety and dignity of women in West Bengal under the current administration and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

With input from agencies