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The brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has sparked outrage and protests across West Bengal. Leading the charge is Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has called for a dharna by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) demanding capital punishment for the accused. The TMC is set to hold protests across the state, echoing the call for a death sentence and advocating for stricter laws to deter such crimes against women.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also joined the fray, intensifying its own protests against the Mamata Banerjee government. The BJP accuses Banerjee of a dictatorial approach towards protesting students and of attempting to shirk responsibility for the heinous crime. This political blame game, unfolding against the backdrop of the tragedy, further exacerbates the already tense situation in West Bengal.
The protests highlight the deep-seated anger and frustration over the incident. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is also organizing a protest match in New Delhi to demand justice for their colleague and call for a centralized protection act for healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the central government has urged Banerjee to expedite the establishment of fast-track special courts dedicated to handling rape cases and those falling under the POCSO Act.
The Centre has also emphasized that existing laws are sufficient to address violence against women and urged the state to enforce them effectively. This comes in response to Banerjee's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting stricter central legislation. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, demanding an explanation for the alleged use of excessive force on protesters seeking justice for the victim.
The investigation into the rape-murder case continues with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the cause of a 40-minute delay in notifying the police after the deceased's body was discovered. The CBI is exploring the possibility of a cover-up attempt by hospital authorities. The West Bengal Governor's office has also confirmed fast-track processing of requests by the victim's parents, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the ongoing protests.
Adding fuel to the fire, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has accused Mamata Banerjee's comments of potentially inciting unrest across states. Majumdar, also a Union Minister, has called for central agencies to monitor Banerjee's meetings and interactions. This escalation of tensions underscores the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the incident and the ongoing struggle for justice for the victim.
Source: Mamata Banerjee to lead protest today seeking death penalty for Kolkata rape accused