In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat on Monday criticized the handling of the rape and murder case of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Karat accused Banerjee of attempting to shield herself and obscure the role of the accused in the case, thereby compromising the credibility of her government.
“Mamata Banerjee wants to save herself and hide the role of the accused in this tragic case. If you listen to the statements made by TMC MPs, they speak as if they are doctors themselves, making misleading remarks instead of addressing the core issues of the case. This behavior only proves that the credibility of the Mamata Banerjee government is zero in this matter,” Karat stated during an interaction with the news agency ANI.
Criticism of TMC’s handling of the case
Karat’s remarks come amid growing outrage and scrutiny over the handling of the investigation by the state government and the Kolkata Police. The case has sparked widespread protests and demands for justice, with opposition leaders questioning the transparency and intent of the authorities involved.
Adding fuel to the fire, Karat pointed out that the state’s response has been riddled with inconsistencies and a lack of genuine concern for justice. She specifically targeted the statements made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Members of Parliament, accusing them of providing misleading information that detracts from the gravity of the situation. According to Karat, these statements reflect a deliberate effort by the ruling party to deflect attention from the real issues and protect those who may be involved.
TMC MP Sukhendu Shekar Ray’s controversial summon
In a related development, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also weighed in on the recent summoning of TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekar Ray by the Kolkata Police. Ray had raised concerns over the police investigation into the case, prompting what Karat described as a retaliatory move by the authorities.
“The Rajya Sabha MP, Sukhendu Shekar Ray, attempted to play a sensitive role in this case by questioning the police’s actions, and in response, he was promptly summoned by the police,” Karat observed. This development has further fueled speculation about the state government’s motives and the possibility of a cover-up.
On Sunday, Ray had openly criticized the Kolkata Police’s investigation, particularly questioning their handling of critical evidence and their delay in using sniffer dogs at the crime scene. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ray called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take charge of the case, insisting that the custodial interrogation of the ex-principal of the medical college and the Police Commissioner was necessary to uncover the truth.
“CBI must act fairly. Custodial interrogation of the ex-principal and Police Commissioner is a must to know who and why floated the suicide story. Why was the wall of the hall demolished? Who patronized Sanjay Roy to be so powerful? Why was the sniffer dog used only after three days? Hundreds of such questions remain unanswered. Make them speak,” Ray wrote.
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Opposition demands justice and accountability
The controversy surrounding the Kolkara case has also drawn sharp criticism from other opposition leaders. Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, lambasted the state government for what he termed as its failure to ensure the safety of women.
Adhikari highlighted the irony of the situation, pointing out that while the state government advocates for women’s empowerment and passes bills to reserve seats for women in Parliament and the Assembly, it simultaneously issues notifications suggesting that women are unsafe at night. He also criticized the state’s special advisor, Alapan Bandopadhyay, for reportedly implying that women should not be on duty at night due to safety concerns, which Adhikari condemned as a regressive and unacceptable stance.
“It is a matter of shame that the state government acknowledges the lack of safety for women at night. This is the same government that talks about empowering women. Yet, here we are, with statements implying that women should not even go out during the day. This is the biggest irony of all,” Adhikari stated.
As the Kolkara case continues to dominate headlines, the pressure on Mamata Banerjee and her government intensifies, with calls for a fair and transparent investigation growing louder. The situation has not only sparked a political firestorm but also raised serious questions about the state’s commitment to justice and the protection of women’s rights.
