Rape murder in Kolkata: Opposition parties trying to create unrest, says Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused opposition political parties of orchestrating the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She said she did not blame the students or doctors for the protests but accused certain political parties of trying to create unrest.

“The police are investigating the case. I have no complaints against the students or the protesting doctors. But certain political parties are trying to create unrest. If you watch the video, you will see what happened,” Banerjee said.

Around midnight, a group of about 40 people posing as protesters entered the hospital and vandalized the emergency room, the infirmary and the pharmacy warehouse. They also damaged security cameras and vandalized a stage where junior doctors had been demonstrating since August 9.

On Thursday, Kolkata police arrested nine people for their alleged involvement in the vandalism. Despite Banerjee's allegations that the CPI(M) and the BJP had staged the incident to create unrest in the state, the BJP criticised the state administration for failing to protect the protesting doctors and prevent the vandalism.

The party demanded that the army be deployed if the TMC government failed to bring the situation under control.
The incident came after the body of a young doctor was found on August 9. It is alleged that she was raped and murdered while on duty. The following day, a volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime.

Meanwhile, the CBI, which is investigating the case, has sought the contact details of the volunteer, met the victim's family members and questioned the officer in charge of Tala police station, which has jurisdiction over the area where the incident occurred.

Healthcare in the state has been paralysed for seven consecutive days as junior doctors have gone on strike demanding justice for their colleagues. The emergency rooms and outpatient departments of most government hospitals remain closed, causing significant distress to patients.
(With PTI inputs)