Despicable crime, if needed, accused will be hanged: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Times of India | 11 August 2024
KOLKATA: CM Mamata Banerjee, in her first reaction to the RG Kar crime, called it "despicable" and said the young doctor's death felt "like a personal loss".
The state government would do everything to fast-track the case and ensure the "strictest punishment" for the guilty. "I have directed it to be taken to a fast-track court," Banerjee told a TV channel."If needed, the accused will be hanged, though I am not pro-capital punishment. But he should be given the strictest punishment," she added.
Banerjee said she would not even object to the young doctor's family's demand for a probe by a central agency. "We do not have any objection as there is nothing to hide. The commissioner of police himself was at the hospital the whole time and was in contact with me," she said. What was important was that "exemplary punishment" had to be ensured, she added.
She had already spoken to the doctor's family and assured them of "proper action", she said, adding that she had been "keeping track of all the developments".
Banerjee also supported the agitating doctors' demands and felt their anger was justified. "I support it. Cops have accepted their demands. Not a single protesting doctor should face any kind of problem," she said. "The doctors can keep protesting but, at the same time, they should also treat patients," she added.
"Losing a colleague affects everyone. Even I have two junior doctors in my family. I will always be with them (doctors). If needed, I will send the state health secretary and the commissioner of police to the hospital again," she assured. "They too can approach any other law enforcement agency if they do not have faith in the state administration," Banerjee said.
The CM felt there should be "proper vigilance" on hospital campuses. "Just as we (the government) have a responsibility, the hospital's superintendent too has a responsibility. We will probe if there was negligence on any part," she promised, adding that RG Kar could do with more area. "I will whether if the tram depot (next door) can be used," she said.