‘Doctor rape and murder case will be closed by Sunday’: Mamata informs CBI, controversy erupts over protest call

Amid intensifying protests over the rape and murder of a medical intern on the premises of a hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s order to hand over the investigation to the CBI and asked the agency to complete the case by Sunday. Banerjee also demanded capital punishment for the culprits and assured that justice would be provided to the victim’s family.

The prime minister also accused political parties of “indulging in cheap politics” and urged protesting doctors to end their leave and return to work as health services are severely affected.

The doctors who were not on duty are calling for them to be put back on duty. Three people have died, including a minor and a pregnant woman.

Urging the doctors to return to duty, Banerjee said, “If it pleases you, I will touch your feet and request you to return to duty of helping people with medical assistance. Three people, including a minor and a pregnant woman, have died.”

Banerjee slams Opposition parties

The West Bengal Chief Minister also slammed the opposition CPI(M) and BJP for trying to politicise the incident and incite protests in the state, following the example of the student movement in Bangladesh.The Chief Minister further announced that the Trinamool Congress would hold protests in all blocks, wards and municipalities in the state on August 17 against the Baam Ram (Left BJP) conspiracy to defame Bengal.

Responding to Banerjee’s call for protest, BJP’s IT unit president Amit Malviya said the Chief Minister’s announcement was shocking and insensitive and West Bengal would respond to her at an appropriate time.

“The shameless TMC has announced that they will hold a protest march against the BJP on August 17 following the BJP’s vigorous campaign seeking justice for the rape and murder victim at RG Khar Medical College and Hospital,” Malviya said in his X post, adding, “Shocking and insensitive, this announcement was made by none other than Mamata Banerjee. Is it a crime to speak up for a young woman doctor who was murdered in cold blood? Bengal will respond to Mamata Banerjee in due time.”

TMC demands Malviya’s arrest

Soon after Malviya’s reaction, TMC leaders attacked the BJP leader and demanded his arrest for threatening Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“What do you mean ‘take action at the right time’? Are you planning to violently attack Didi and create anarchy in Bengal? Kolkata Police should investigate the evil motives of this dastardly man,” Kunal Ghosh tweeted.

“Action against Mamata Banerjee at the right time? What do you mean? Are you blackmailing Mamata Banerjee? “Are you creating unrest in Bengal? The government should immediately arrest this rapist recruiter!” Sudip Raha, state spokesman for the All India Trinamool Congress, said in a post.

Mamata welcomes High Court order allowing CBI investigation

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday welcomed the Calcutta High Court order authorising a CBI probe into the alleged rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kal Medical College and Hospital.

“We will comply with the Calcutta High Court orders and fully cooperate with the CBI. We have no problem with the case being handed over to the CBI as we want it to be resolved at the earliest,” she said.

The High Court on Tuesday transferred the doctor’s rape and murder case from Kolkata Police to the CBI.