West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a strong stance in response to the tragic death of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Addressing the public outcry over the incident, Banerjee stated on Saturday that the accused, who has already been arrested, will face the full force of the law, including the possibility of capital punishment if necessary. She emphasized that the case would be sent to a fast-track court to ensure swift justice.
The horrific incident, which occurred on Friday, has sent shockwaves throughout the medical community and beyond. The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital, prompting junior doctors to stage protests demanding justice for their colleagues. The Chief Minister, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, described the incident as "unfortunate" and "despicable," expressing that it felt like a personal loss to her.
In her remarks, Banerjee confirmed that the arrested accused was employed at the hospital and that she had personally spoken with the victim's family to assure them of her commitment to seeing justice served. "Their anger and demand are justified. I support it," Banerjee said, referring to the protesting doctors. She further stated, "I have directed the case to be taken to a fast-track court. If needed, the accused will be hanged. But they should be given the strictest punishment."
In a bid to ensure transparency and thoroughness in the investigation, Banerjee assured that she was in regular contact with the police and had no objections to the involvement of any other law enforcement agency if the victim's family felt it was necessary. "We want a proper and thorough investigation and stringent punishment for the culprits," she affirmed.
The Chief Minister also called on the protesting doctors to continue their vital work of treating patients while pursuing their demands for justice. She noted that the hospital’s superintendent has a responsibility in this matter and pledged to investigate any possible negligence on the part of the hospital administration.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the findings of the autopsy report, which revealed that the trainee doctor had been sexually assaulted before her death. The report detailed horrific injuries, including bleeding from the victim's eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as multiple injury marks on her body. The report indicated that the assault had been brutal and had occurred between 3 and 6 am, according to a Kolkata Police officer.
In response to the brutal crime, the Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), including members of the homicide department, to conduct a thorough investigation. The police have indicated that the arrested suspect, described as an outsider with suspicious activities, had unfettered access to several departments within the hospital. His arrest was made after police reviewed CCTV footage that implicated him in the crime.
"We have arrested one person who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious, and he seems to be directly involved in the crime," a police official stated.
As the investigation continues, the Chief Minister's decisive actions and her commitment to fast-tracking the case signal the state government's intent to deliver swift and severe justice, aiming to bring some measure of solace to the grieving family and the outraged medical community.
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