NEW DELHI: Facing public wrath over the brutal rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday lashed out at rivals CPM and BJP accusing them of trying Bangladesh-like street protests in the state to grab power.
Even as she welcomed the Calcutta High Court order transferring the case to the CBI and pledged cooperation with the federal agency which took over the case today, Mamata reiterated that she could not have arrested anyone without proper investigation.
“The CPM and BJP are trying Bangladesh-like street protests to capture power in Bengal…Abuse me as much as you want, but do not abuse Bengal,” she said amid women’s agitation across Bengal against the August 9 rape and murder of a 31-year-old in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College.
Mamata’s remarks came after TMC’s INDIA bloc ally — Rahul Gandhi of the Congress — broke his silence on the issue and said “attempts to save the accused instead of providing justice raised serious questions on the hospital and the local administration.”
“The entire country is shocked by the gruesome incident of rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. The way the layers of the cruel and inhuman act against her are being revealed, there is an atmosphere of insecurity among the doctors’ community and women. I stand with the victim’s family in this unbearable pain. They should get justice at all costs and the culprits should be given such a punishment that it is presented as an example in society,” Gandhi said amid swelling doctors’ protests. His remarks had Mamata asking what action Congress-ruled states had taken in similar cases in the past.
The Trinamool Congress chief also harked back to CPM days saying under late CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, several heinous crimes took place in Bengal but no one was aware “as there was no social media then.”
Kolkata cops have faced allegations of attempted cover up in the case with Calcutta High Court yesterday handing it over to the CBI, amid BJP’s demands for Mamata’s resignation. Importantly, two of TMC’s MPs also spoke up today. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, TMC’s Rajya Sabha member, said he would join the Wednesday night protests.
Lok Sabha MP of Trinamool Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a product of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, demanded the law take its course and said the administration needed to find out the truth behind many recent allegations around the working of the hospital.
The principal was removed and rehabilitated at another key hospital within hours, raising eyebrows. “The law should be equal for all,” added Kakoli, whose daughters-in-law today said they would join the night protests.
Ironically, Mamata earlier today hailed “Kanyashree” scheme dedicated to the welfare of girl children in Bengal and assured she would be there for the beneficiaries. “Today is Kanyashree Divas. My best wishes to each of my daughters,” said the CM on the 2013 scheme.