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The article reports on a disturbing incident in Kolkata where the parents of a junior postgraduate trainee doctor, who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital the previous year, were allegedly injured during a police lathicharge. This occurred during their participation in the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ march, a demonstration aimed at reaching the state secretariat to demand justice for their daughter. The mother of the victim has been hospitalized due to the injuries sustained, prompting significant outrage and accusations against the Kolkata Police. According to sources and claims made by the parents, they were subjected to physical violence by police personnel stationed at Park Street crossing, who were tasked with preventing the rally from proceeding. The mother specifically alleges that she was pinned to the ground, and her traditional Bengali bangles, symbols of her married status, were broken during the altercation. She also claims to have suffered a head injury. The police, however, have vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that there is no evidence to support the claim that the parents were injured during the lathicharge. This denial has further fueled the controversy surrounding the incident. The conflicting accounts of the events raise serious questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the treatment of grieving parents seeking justice for their daughter's horrific crime. The situation is further complicated by the political context, with opposition leaders and other groups weighing in on the matter and adding to the already heightened tensions.
The medical details regarding the victim's mother's condition are also highlighted in the article. Following the alleged lathicharge, she was immediately taken to a private hospital where she underwent preliminary observation and treatment before being admitted. Hospital sources indicate that she is currently in stable condition but is suffering from a haematoma, a closed wound with blood accumulation, on her forehead. A CT scan has been scheduled to comprehensively assess the extent of her injuries, both internal and external, and to determine if she has experienced any internal haemorrhaging. The father of the victim, while reportedly less injured, is expected to remain with his wife at the hospital. This adds a layer of concern and underscores the potential severity of the situation, given the vulnerability and emotional distress that the parents are already enduring as a result of their daughter's death. The health and well-being of the parents, especially the mother, are paramount given the trauma they have experienced and the alleged assault. The medical assessment will be crucial in determining the full extent of the injuries and providing the necessary care and support.
The incident has garnered significant political attention, with Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, expressing his concern and condemnation of the alleged police brutality. He stated that the victim's mother was crying and appeared ashamed at being beaten for seeking justice for her daughter. This statement further intensifies the political ramifications of the incident and places additional pressure on the government and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The involvement of political figures amplifies the public scrutiny of the event and highlights the potential for it to be used as a political tool. The comments from the Leader of Opposition also underscore the emotional toll that the incident has taken on the victim's mother and the sense of injustice that she and her family are experiencing. The political dimensions of the situation make it even more complex and challenging to navigate.
The article also mentions the reaction from junior doctors and other individuals who had previously protested against similar issues. They expressed their disapproval of the police's use of force against peaceful demonstrators, regardless of whether they actively participated in the 'Nabanna Abhiyan.' Asfaqullah Nayiya, a junior doctor, specifically stated that the administration consistently resorts to force to suppress protest movements. This suggests a pattern of behavior by the authorities, raising concerns about the freedom of assembly and the right to protest. The reference to past incidents involving junior doctors highlights the ongoing tensions between the medical community and the government. The statements from these individuals add weight to the allegations of police brutality and further fuel the public outcry.
Furthermore, the article touches on another rally, 'Kalighat Chalo,' organized by Abhaya Mancha and other apolitical organizations, which was also blocked by the police at Hazra More. This suggests that the police actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to suppress demonstrations and restrict public gatherings. The presence of Sabina Yasmin, the mother of a nine-year-old girl who died in an alleged bomb attack, at the 'Kalighat Chalo' rally highlights the shared sense of injustice and the common struggles faced by families seeking accountability for the deaths of their loved ones. Yasmin expressed her solidarity with the parents of the RG Kar victim, stating that she too had not received justice. The convergence of these two cases underscores the systemic challenges in obtaining justice and the need for greater transparency and accountability from the authorities. The fact that multiple protests were blocked on the same day raises serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.
In response to the allegations, TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya accused the BJP of instigating disturbances and exploiting the tragedy for political gain. He claimed that the BJP's march was intended to create chaos and that they were disrespecting the sentiments of a mother who had recently lost her daughter. These accusations further politicize the situation and contribute to the highly polarized atmosphere surrounding the incident. The exchange of accusations between political parties serves to distract from the core issues of police accountability and justice for the victims and their families. The involvement of political parties and the resulting rhetoric create a complex and contentious environment, making it difficult to determine the truth and to ensure that justice is served.
Ultimately, the article paints a picture of a deeply troubling situation involving allegations of police brutality, political maneuvering, and the suffering of grieving parents. The conflicting accounts of the events, the political dimensions of the issue, and the ongoing struggles of families seeking justice all contribute to a complex and multifaceted narrative. A thorough and impartial investigation is crucial to determine the truth of what happened and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The incident raises important questions about the role of law enforcement in protecting the rights of citizens, the need for transparency and accountability from government officials, and the importance of providing support and justice for victims of crime and their families. The events described in the article highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing issues of violence, injustice, and political accountability in the region.