Kolkata rape-murder: Mamata to lead march seeking death penalty
Following the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced plans to lead a rally on Friday evening. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader is demanding the death penalty for the perpetrators and has given an ultimatum to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is handling the case, to ensure justice by Sunday.
TMC spokesperson explains Banerjee's decision to lead rally
TMC MP and spokesperson Derek O'Brien justified Banerjee's decision to lead the rally, stating that the CBI must provide daily updates on the investigation. "CBI taking over the case shouldn't lead to it being quietly buried. The urgent need of the hour is swift justice and the harshest punishment for the culprits," he said. O'Brien also stressed that all those involved must be arrested.
Banerjee faces criticism for handling of case
Banerjee's decision to lead the rally comes amid criticism over her handling of the case. The TMC has been accused of trying to destroy evidence, while the police have been blamed for mishandling the investigation. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused Banerjee of trying to protect the accused, stating that she should have transferred the case to the CBI immediately after the crime occurred.
Doctors' forum alleges evidence tampering
The West Bengal Doctors's Forum has written to the CBI, alleging that attempts are being made to tamper with evidence by carrying out construction work near the spot where the victim's body was found. The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor, bearing severe injury marks, was discovered on August 9 inside the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's chest department.
Kolkata rape-murder case sparks nationwide protests
On August 14, the parents of the victim told the Calcutta High Court that the postmortem report showed the presence of 150 mg semen in the hymen, which they claim indicated the involvement of more than one individual. The allegations came after the Kolkata Police had already arrested Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer who frequented the hospital, in connection with the crime.
