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The recent tragic murder of a doctor in Kolkata has sparked a political storm in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) fiercely criticizing the delay in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly exploiting the incident for political gain. Banerjee, in a public address marking the foundation day of the TMC's student wing, raised concerns about the slow progress of the CBI investigation, questioning, 'Where is justice?' She pointed out that she had met the victim's parents two days after the doctor's body was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite her request for a five-day window, the case was handed over to the CBI, which she alleged was motivated by a desire for delay rather than justice.
The TMC's response to the incident went beyond criticism of the CBI. Banerjee announced the state government's intention to convene an Assembly session to introduce a Bill demanding the death penalty for rapists. This move was intended to signal the party's commitment to tackling crimes against women and ensuring swift justice for victims. Meanwhile, the TMC launched a counteroffensive against the BJP, blaming them for inciting unrest in Kolkata through a march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The march, which resulted in clashes between protesters and the police, was initially attributed to student organizations by its organizers. However, the TMC alleged that the march was a calculated attempt by the BJP and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to destabilize the state.
The BJP's subsequent call for a 12-hour bandh in protest against the police action further fueled the political tension. Banerjee condemned the bandh as a callous ploy to capitalize on the tragedy and demanded accountability from the BJP. She accused them of abandoning their stated goal of seeking justice for the victim and instead engaging in a campaign to malign the image of Bengal. The Chief Minister also defended the city police, commending their restraint in the face of provocation and their efforts to prevent further violence. The TMC's general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, echoed his aunt's criticism of the BJP, highlighting their alleged double standards on the issue of women's safety. He also questioned the CBI's inaction in arresting Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who has been implicated in the case and accused of corruption.
The political sparring between the TMC and the BJP coincided with comments from Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, who criticized the West Bengal government for its shortcomings in implementing schemes designed to combat crimes against women. She highlighted the irony of a state led by a woman Chief Minister having a deteriorating record on women's safety. Devi pointed to the failure of the West Bengal government to effectively implement central government schemes, including those focused on establishing fast-track special courts and POCSO courts for addressing crimes against women and children. This exchange further underscores the complexities of the political landscape in West Bengal, with both the ruling party and the opposition embroiled in a fierce struggle for control and influence.
Source: "16 Days Since CBI Took Over, Where Is Justice": Mamata Banerjee Amid Protests