TMC demands swift justice in RG Kar case and pushes for death penalty

West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya on Sunday urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to step up its prosecution in the RG Kar rape and murder case and ensure that the perpetrator is given the death penalty. The TMC leader led a protest rally in Kolkata against the tragic case.

Chandrima Bhattacharya told ANI that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on August 28 directed the Trinamool Mahila Congress to hold demonstrations in all blocks on September 1. Bhattacharya stressed that the CBI must provide updated information and make a convincing case for the death penalty. She also announced that the West Bengal government had called a special session of the Assembly on September 2 and 3 to propose a bill advocating the death penalty for such crimes.

“Our government intends to introduce a provision for death penalty and submit a bill to the President through the Governor,” Bhattacharya said, expressing hope that it would be passed. The rape and murder of a doctor-in-training at RG Kar Medical College in Calcutta has sparked widespread protests in West Bengal and elsewhere.

The August 9 incident prompted doctors to stage nationwide protests demanding justice and strict safety measures for their medical staff.

The case has also sparked political tensions. The BJP demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Following an order from the Calcutta High Court, the investigation was transferred from the local police to the CBI. Sanjoy Roy, a volunteer at the hospital, was arrested in connection with the crime.

(With contributions from agencies.)