Kolkata police is criminalised and politicised...: Governor C V Ananda Bose on R G Kar hospital rape-murder case
Times of India | 20 August 2024
Governor C V Ananda Bose described the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor in a Kolkata hospital as a 'most shameful moment' for society. He criticized the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for their handling of the situation, highlighting a perceived loss of faith among the people. NEW DELHI: West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose has termed the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at a Kolkata hospital on August 9 as the "most shameful moment" for society and claimed that West Bengal is in a "state of flux," with the public having "lost faith in the present government.
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Bose questioned chief minister Mamata Banerjee's stance, highlighting concerns over security, government response, and police actions.
Bose said in an interview, "Bengal is in a state of flux. Students have lost faith in the government, youths are scared and women are in a state of despair. There is a feeling that the government, which is supposed to protect the citizens, is not doing its role.
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The postgraduate trainee doctor was on duty at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital when the incident occurred. The healthcare services across state-run hospitals in West Bengal were severely impacted as junior doctors staged a ceasework agitation, now in its 12th day, demanding justice for the victim and better security legislation for workplaces.
Bose emphasized the deteriorating trust in law enforcement, "Students have lost faith in the police. There is also a growing feeling of disenchantment among the youth, particularly women doctors and paramedics. As far as citizens are concerned, they are all aggrieved that the government does not act when action is called for.
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He also alleged that Kolkata Police is "criminalised and politicised", and expressed concern over a "perceived disconnect between the government's actions and the needs of its citizens".
Referring to a recent rally led by chief minister Banerjee, Bose criticized the lack of clear accountability, "There is a lack of clarity about the chief minister's position. There was a rally in which the health minister complained to the home minister about the lack of security on campuses. The home minister complained to the CM that action was not taken.
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"People are not fooled, knowing that the health minister is also the home minister and the CM. This situation resembles Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - everyone knows who is who. It's absurd that Bengal's chief minister parades around claiming that she seeks justice," Bose remarked.
Drawing a parallel with the historical adage "Nero fiddled while Rome burned," Bose criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, suggesting it is "failing" to protect its people. He described the incident as "a national shame," adding, "This is a most shameful moment for Bengal society, the most disturbing moment for humanity.
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Addressing the compensation offered to the doctor’s family, which the chief minister set at Rs 10 lakh, Bose stated, "This is really inhuman to put up a price for the valuable life of a young doctor. The CM should know that money cannot buy silence.
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In a public address on August 14, chief minister Banerjee mentioned, "The victim has departed. But I had asked her parents if they wanted to do something in their daughter's name, and I would have provided the financial support. Yes, we are ready to give Rs 10 lakh to the family.
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Bose questioned whether recent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was intended to distract from the murder investigation, describing the situation as "mobocracy thwarting democracy.
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When asked if he was considering recommending President's rule in West Bengal due to the "deteriorating" situation, Bose indicated he would be prudent about his next steps, stating, "What I will do as the governor will be circumspect. I will not make it come into the public domain about what I intend to do.
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Bose also expressed his intent to visit the parents of the deceased, doing so when they are emotionally ready. "I will meet them at a time when they are mentally set for that. I respect the sentiments of the parents who lost their dear daughter. I will give them sufficient time," he added.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation from Kolkata Police, following an order from the Calcutta High Court. A civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)