Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj vs. Police: Nabanna Abhijan Over Kolkata Doctor’s Murder Amid CBI Investigation

The tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has ignited public outrage, leading to a surge of protests across the city. The Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj organized a demonstration to demand justice for the victim, but the protest quickly spiraled into violence. Clashes erupted between protesters and police on the Kona Expressway in Santragachhi, with demonstrators breaching barricades and turning the protest into a chaotic scene. The escalating tensions reflect deep frustrations with the handling of the case. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is delving deeper into the crime, uncovering disturbing details about the accused, Sanjay Roy, while also investigating allegations of financial misconduct within the hospital. The BJP has intensified its political attacks on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of protecting the culprits and demanding her resignation.

Key Developments:

CBI’s Investigation Into the Murder

• The CBI continues its thorough investigation into the rape and murder of the junior doctor on August 9 inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
• Sanjay Roy, the primary accused, initially confessed to the crime during a lie-detector test but later recanted his statement. Roy now claims the victim was already dead when he entered the seminar hall.
• According to reports, Roy spent the night before the murder drinking with his friend and visiting red-light areas in Kolkata. He admitted to molesting a woman in the street but denied engaging in any sexual activity.
• Roy’s psychoanalytical profile, drawn up by the CBI, described him as a pervert with animalistic tendencies, allegedly addicted to pornography. One official stated, “Roy had what he described as an animal instinct.”
• Despite retracting his confession, authorities believe that Roy has been attempting to mislead investigators. The CBI has subjected several individuals, including doctors from the hospital, to polygraph tests as part of the investigation.

Protests Turn Violent on Kona Expressway

• On August 27, a protest organized by the Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj demanding justice for the murdered doctor escalated into violence.
• Protesters clashed with police on the Kona Expressway, throwing banners and stones, breaching barricades, and even climbing onto Howrah Bridge. The once-peaceful protest transformed into a warzone, with tensions boiling over between the two sides.
• The “Nabanna Abhijaan” protest, intended to hold the state government accountable for the incident, has drawn considerable attention and escalated in intensity.

BJP’s Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee

• The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting the accused in the murder case, labeling her a “dictator.”
• The party has called for Banerjee’s resignation, stating that her removal is necessary for an impartial investigation. They claim political interference could hinder the delivery of justice.

Financial Irregularities Under Scrutiny

• In addition to the murder case, the CBI is also investigating financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College, involving the former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh.
• The CBI has conducted raids at the residences of Dr. Ghosh and other hospital officials as part of its wider probe into corruption allegations.

Ongoing Strikes and Calls for Justice

• Despite an appeal from the Supreme Court, resident doctors at RG Kar Medical College continue their strike, demanding justice for their colleague and expressing dissatisfaction with the state’s response to the crime.
• Protests and strikes are likely to continue as the investigation unfolds, with growing public demand for swift and transparent action from the government and law enforcement agencies.

Source: Hindustan Times & Times of India