Mamata Banerjee’s Response to the Verdict in the RG Kar Case
Mamata Banerjee Demands Death Penalty for RG Kar Rape and Murder Convict
Kolkata Police would have ensured death penalty for the convict in the RG Kar rape and murder case, but the probe was taken away and handed over to the CBI, according to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The announcement came just minutes after a city court sentenced the convict, Sanjay Roy, to life imprisonment.
Banerjee’s Demand for Justice
“We demanded death penalty from Day 1. We demand it now too. But it’s the court’s order. I can share my party’s opinion. We ensured death penalty in three cases within 60 days. If the case stayed with us, we would have ensured death penalty long back. I don’t know the details,” Banerjee stated. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the court’s decision and reiterated her demand for justice for the victim.
Allegations of a Cover-Up
The Trinamool Congress government faced heavy criticism following the rape and murder of a 34-year-old doctor on August 9 in a seminar hall at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident raised allegations of a cover-up involving top state government officials, leading to the Supreme Court ordering the CBI to take over the investigation.
Court’s Decision and Victim’s Family
After five months of investigation, a Kolkata court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish that the case fell into the ‘rarest of the rare’ category to warrant a death penalty. The court also ordered the State to provide financial assistance of Rs 17 lakh to the victim’s elderly parents. However, the parents expressed that they were seeking justice rather than compensation.
Protests and Allegations
The victim’s parents and doctors continue to protest against the incident, believing that the crime was not committed by Roy alone. Doctors in Kolkata have been protesting against an alleged cover-up by the state government to protect individuals associated with the ruling party. Despite these allegations, Mamata Banerjee has denied any wrongdoing and even led a protest march demanding justice for the victim.
Moving Forward
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the investigation will progress and whether further actions will be taken to ensure justice for the victim and her family. The demand for transparency and accountability in handling such cases remains high, as the public looks to the authorities to deliver swift and fair justice in the face of such heinous crimes.