TMC Leaders Explain Why Mamata Will Hold Counterrally Over Kolkata Doctor's Rape-Murder As BJP Steps Up Attack

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief is all set to hold a protest rally seeking death penalty for the accused in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case on Friday evening amid growing outrage. Her rally raised eyebrows as came at a time when protesters and Opposition are accusing the police of mishandling the case and the TMC of trying to destroy evidence, but the CM herself holds the police and home portfolios in the state administration.

Mamata Banerjee had earlier welcomed the Calcutta High Court order to hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and urged the agency to close the case by Sunday. Banerjee had further demanded capital punishment for the culprit and ensured justice for the family of the victim.

The Chief Minister had also slammed political parties for “indulging in cheap politics” and urged the protesting doctors to lift the cease work and join duties as healthcare services are badly impacted.

BJP’s concerns

Banerjee’s rally announcement and Sunday ultimatum to CBI invited criticism from BJP, which raised concerns about the West Bengal government’s attempt to disturb the probe and leave perpetrators unpunished.

BJP’s Media Cell Head Amit Malviya had taken to X and said, “Mamata Banerjee has announced a spectacle where the Chief Minister of West Bengal will lead a protest against the Home Minister and Health Minister of Bengal for failing the lady doctor, who was raped and murdered in RG Kar. Incidentally, Mamata Banerjee holds all three positions.”

Raising concerns over the destruction of evidence after reports of construction work near the crime scene at RG Kar Hospital’s fourth-floor seminar hall and vandalism in the emergency ward, he referred to a similar old case, Kamduni rape, and murder case where the accused were sentenced to death but later escaped as evidence was blotched.

TMC’s Explanation

Justifying CM Banerjee’s move amid criticism from the Opposition, TMC MP and spokesperson Derek O’Brien took to X on Friday morning. He began his explanation by writing, It is hard to conceive of a more bestial, heinous crime than the murder and rape of a young woman that took place in Kolkata. The public outrage is entirely understandable. Thoughts and prayers with her family.”

He said it was fair to ask why Mamta Banerjee was leading the protest. He explained what the ruling party sought and said, “CBI, which is now handling the case, must give daily updates on the investigation. The deadline given by the CM to Kolkata Police to complete the investigation was August 17. The same must apply to CBI.  Kolkata Police has arrested one accused. Justice will happen only when CBI nabs ALL involved and sends case to a fast-track court.”

“CBI taking over the case shouldn’t lead to it being quietly buried. The urgent need of the hour is swift justice and the harshest punishment for the culprits. No one who committed this barbaric act must be spared,” he added.

“Those who attacked and ransacked the hospital also need to be booked. The police have arrested 19 people,” he noted.