Kolkata: The parents of the woman doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last year have reportedly expressed reluctance about the death penalty for the convicted man, as per their lawyer’s statement to the Calcutta High Court. However, they declined to confirm their stance to reporters, sparking further speculation.
Demand for CM’s Resignation Ignites Political Row
In a dramatic turn, the victim’s parents demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This demand has triggered a massive political controversy, with accusations of political exploitation being leveled by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) against its opponents.
West Bengal’s Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Shashi Panja, commented on the matter, saying, “If my resignation or that of the Chief Minister will provide justice to the victim, we are ready. However, the Opposition is creating an environment to exploit this tragic incident for political gain, which is truly unfortunate.”
CBI and State Police Under Scrutiny
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the investigation from the state police, is now advocating for the death penalty for the convict. The West Bengal government has joined the CBI in appealing for the harshest punishment.
However, the victim’s father expressed frustration with both the state police and the CBI, stating, “The state police let us down, and now the CBI is proving to be no better. Whom do we turn to? We leave it to the High Court judge to decide.”
The Sealdah court’s prior judgment and the ongoing delays have further compounded their disappointment in the justice system.
Opposition Claims and Ruling Party’s Response
Senior TMC leader and minister Firhad Hakim alleged that the victim’s parents were being influenced by opposition parties to unfairly target Chief Minister Banerjee. He argued that such political maneuvering over a heinous crime was deeply unethical.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling government for its handling of women’s safety in the state.
Next Steps
The Calcutta High Court will now decide on whether to proceed with the appeals from the CBI and state government advocating for the death penalty. The court’s decision will likely set a precedent for similar cases in the state and could shape the discourse on justice for gender-based violence.
This case remains a flashpoint in Bengal’s political and social landscape, amplifying debates around women’s safety, political accountability, and the effectiveness of investigative agencies.
