West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday vowed full cooperation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the ongoing investigation of the rape-murder case involving a doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Following widespread protests, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case from the Kolkata Police to the CBI on Tuesday. “Arrest the criminals and hang them,” thundered Banerjee.
“Arrest the criminals and hang them, we will not interfere. We will abide by the Calcutta High Court order, and in accordance to that order the police will cooperate and coordinate with the CBI because we have nothing in this. We want the criminals who committed such a brutal crime to be hanged to death. I had asked for time till Sunday and had stated that if the Kolkata police fail to wrap up the investigation, failing which I would have handed over the case to the CBI myself…We want the CBI to form a case by this Sunday and hang the culprits,” said Banerjee.
Despite the ongoing protests over the brutal death and murder of the RG Kar PGT doctor, Banerjee urged protesting doctors to return to their duties. She also accused the CPI(M) and BJP of attempting to incite unrest similar to that seen in Bangladesh to gain political advantage in Bengal. "Abuse me as much as you want, but please don’t abuse the state," she added.
According to reports, a 25-member CBI team, led by Additional Director Sampat Meena, is now stationed in Kolkata to investigate the case. This team includes five forensic experts and medical professionals from AIIMS. On Wednesday, the CBI visited the crime scene, gathered documents from the Kolkata Police, and recorded initial statements. The CBI has also taken custody of the primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, for a medical examination and interrogation. A delegation from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), led by National President Dr. RV Asokan, visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to meet the victim’s family. Dr. Asokan reported that the family was devastated and had numerous grievances about the delayed notification and lack of access to the Principal.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed shock at the brutal incident. He criticized the local administration and hospital management, questioning their handling of the case. "The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration," Gandhi said. In response, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh dismissed these allegations as unfounded. He suggested that Rahul Gandhi should review historical facts regarding women's safety during previous Congress administrations. "Before making such remarks, he should check and cross-check facts," Ghosh said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala condemned the TMC government, likening the incident to a "Nirbhaya Part 2" case. "It is evident now that this was not a rape; it was a gang rape,” said Poonawala. The BJP National Spokesperson accused the TMC government of failing to act promptly against all suspects involved, alleging that some are being shielded due to their connections with the TMC.
The victim, a postgraduate trainee, was found dead on August 9 inside a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime on Saturday.
