Will offer CBI all help, let it ensure death for culprit: CM
Times of India | 15 August 2024
Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she was "relieved" that the Calcutta high court had asked CBI to probe the rape-murder of a young postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and added that the central agency should now ensure capital punishment for the culprit. She also pleaded with the agitating doctors to return to work.
Speaking at a pre-Independence Day programme in Behala, CM Banerjee said, "I had said it myself that we would hand over the case to CBI on Sunday. I am relieved that I do not need to do it now. Give death penalty to those who are actually responsible for the crime but innocents should not be punished. We will follow the Calcutta High Court order and help CBI in whatever way possible."
In a direct appeal to the protesting doctors she said, "I plead before you, if needed I am ready to touch your feet if that satisfies you, to join work. It's been five days that you started your protest. No one has stopped you. But three people have lost their lives, one of them a child and another a pregnant woman. I am appealing before you publicly."
Banerjee said for any investigation, one needed to give time to police. "I had set a deadline till Sunday. You cannot take action against anyone without proper investigation. I respect both senior and junior doctors. I cannot arrest people without proper investigation. Since our targeted time was till Sunday, we want the case to be solved by Sunday. The CBI should ensure this," she said. Urging everyone to be sensitive towards the family of the deceased doctor instead of politicising the issue, the CM said, "I visited their residence. I waited for the shraddha to get over on Sunday. I spent an hour with the family. I could have released Rs 10 lakh as compensation, but I asked the parents if they wanted something in memory of their daughter. Her mother said she would ask for it when required but she would first ensure that her daughter got justice."
Insisting that the state had acted swiftly, Banerjee said, "Police officials escorted the body of the victim. Throughout the investigation, DNA sampling, CCTV footage collection, sample testing, everything was carried out and within 12 hours the murderer was arrested. Police summoned 34 people and more were on the list, but HC intervened and transferred the case to CBI. One of Kolkata Police's best teams was investigating the matter." She added that she wanted to fix responsibilities within the administration. "Following a probe by the health department, within 48 hours I transferred everyone. People have to understand that I cannot act without evidence," she said.
"I have always supported the agitation of the doctors. But I don't support the people who are trying to politicise the matter. We didn't spare anyone — the principal, MSVP, relevant police authorities and HoD were transferred. The matter is now sub judice. We have handed over all evidence and necessary documents to CBI. We are ready to cooperate more if needed," she said.
Hitting out at the smear campaign on social media, Banerjee said no one had the right to defame Bengal. "Abuse me as much as you want but do not abuse Bangla Maa," she said and warned political parties against playing politics over this unfortunate and shocking death.
"You think you are going to replicate the Bangladeshi example (students unseating the government). But you should know I always stand for delivering justice. I have no hankering for power," the CM said and cited several heinous crimes that took place during former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya's tenure. "In many states, including Delhi, UP and Hathras we all saw what happened. In Hathras, the family was brutally assaulted. I want to also ask Congress, many incidents take place in states governed by you, what action do you take? When CPM was in office, there were plethora of heinous crimes committed with the govt remaining silent. Since there was no social media back then, people were not aware," she said.
She also announced Trinamool protest rallies from 2-4pm on August 17 against the opposition attempt to defame Bengal and a dharna on Aug 18 demanding capital punishment for the accused.