India has seen its share of bad times and bad governments. Bihar and UP were considered two of the most dangerous states of India at one point when crime and violence were rampant. Bengal on the other hand was never associated with violence or hatred. It was known for the culture and heritage it carried. The revolutionaries and intellectuals that came out of Bengal are still considered to be the greatest India has ever produced.
But what is happening in Kolkata right now is shameful. We Indians have caught a habit of staying quiet until something BIG happens. Unfortunately, 12 years ago, Nirbhaya was the trigger that gave rise to a new political system. Promises were made, and new governments were formed, some of them are still ruling in several states in India.
But Bengal and Kolkata police have stooped down to a new low. They have now started blaming the public, the doctors who are protesting, the victim who was raped, and the media because according to the Police Commissioner Mr. Vineet Goyal, the media is running a “Malicious Campaign” against the Kolkata police.
Well, Mr. Goyal, we don’t know about the other media groups, but the New India group definitely thinks that there is a cover-up going on. we will discuss this in more detail in this article.
But before starting the article, just send a small prayer to the family of the victim, “Abhaya”, as the media is calling her now. May God give them the strength to fight against this unjust system of the Kolkata police and may God help them catch every culprit involved in the brutal rape and murder of their daughter.
The Kolkata Rape and Murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2023, has shocked the conscience of Kolkata and the entire nation. The incident has raised serious questions about the state of law enforcement and the role of the Kolkata Police in handling the case. Amidst the outrage, several prominent figures, including doctors and politicians, have been summoned by the police for allegedly spreading misinformation, leading to a heated debate over justice, truth, and the integrity of the investigation.
This article delves into the complexities surrounding the case, the actions of the Kolkata Police, and the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the administration, particularly under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. The calls for accountability, transparency, and justice are loud and clear, but the question remains: Who is the Kolkata Police really trying to protect?
The Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: A Grisly Crime That Shook Kolkata, India and the World
On the morning of August 9, 2023, the body of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of the government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The details of the crime were horrifying—she had been raped, brutally beaten, and strangled to death. The autopsy report revealed shocking findings, including signs of genital torture, a deep wound in her private parts, and evidence of strangulation, leading to her thyroid cartilage being broken.
The victim, who had been on a 36-hour shift, had gone to the seminar hall to rest during the early hours of the morning. The crime, according to the post-mortem, occurred between 3 am and 5 am. The prime suspect, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police stationed at the hospital, was arrested after CCTV footage placed him at the crime scene.
“A civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police” had access to a college seminar hall, HOW? We were not even allowed to enter our college as STUDENTS! And then the Kolkata police is trying to tell the nation that they are doing their jobs right? Today, the Kolkata Police has shown nothing but obedience to someone who doesn’t want to be named. The conspiracies, the lies, the investigation, the attempt to get rid of all the evidence, asking for extra time to hand over the case to the CBI, and last but not least, the 5000-7000 people mob attacking the hospital in search of the “Seminar Hall”. All these activities are supposed to instill confidence in the hearts and minds of the noble doctors who are only trying to save lives. Sure!
The incident triggered widespread protests across Bengal and beyond, with the medical community and the public demanding justice for the victim. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) organized a 24-hour nationwide strike on August 17, calling for increased security measures in hospitals and highlighting the dangerous working conditions that medical professionals face.
The Role of the Kolkata Police in the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: An Attempt to Suppress or Uncover the Truth?
As the investigation into the Kolkata horror crime unfolded, the actions of the Kolkata Police came under intense scrutiny. The police issued summons to two prominent doctors, Dr. Kunal Sarkar and Dr. Subarna Goswami, as well as BJP leader and former MP Locket Chatterjee, accusing them of spreading misinformation related to the case.
Dr. Subarna Goswami, in particular, had made public statements about the contents of the post-mortem report, alleging that it contained disturbing details, including the presence of 150 mg of semen and a fractured pelvic bone, suggesting gang rape. These claims were vehemently denied by the Kolkata Police, who labeled them as baseless rumors. The police also took issue with Locket Chatterjee for allegedly disclosing the identity of the victim, a serious violation under Indian law.
The Kolkata Police’s aggressive stance against those raising questions about the investigation has raised concerns about their true motives. Critics argue that instead of focusing on bringing the perpetrators to justice, the police seem more interested in controlling the narrative and suppressing dissent. The summoning of high-profile individuals for questioning has only added to the perception that the investigation is being politicized.
The CBI Investigation in the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: A Search for Justice Amidst Allegations of Conspiracy
Following widespread public outcry and a petition to the Calcutta High Court, the investigation of the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case was transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13. The CBI’s involvement has brought a renewed focus on uncovering the truth behind the horrific crime, but it has also introduced new complexities and questions about the integrity of the investigation.
The CBI immediately took Sanjoy Roy into custody and initiated a psychological assessment to better understand his motivations and potential involvement in the crime. The agency has been methodical in its approach, questioning over 40 individuals, including doctors, interns, and police officers, to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
A key figure in the investigation is Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, who has been questioned for several hours over multiple days. Dr. Ghosh’s actions on the night of the incident, including his interactions with hospital staff and the delay in informing the victim’s family, are under intense scrutiny. There are suspicions that the crime may have involved a larger conspiracy, possibly implicating more individuals within the hospital and beyond. For more information on the case investigation, click here.
Public Outrage and Political Ramifications: The Demand for Accountability after the Kolkata Rape and Murder
The public’s anger over the handling of the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case has not been limited to the police. The Mamata Banerjee government has faced severe criticism for its perceived inaction and failure to ensure the safety of medical professionals in the state. The incident has become a flashpoint in Bengal’s already charged political atmosphere, with opposition parties, including the BJP, using the case to attack the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Locket Chatterjee, one of the most vocal critics of the government’s handling of the case, took to social media to accuse the Kolkata Police of prioritizing social media monitoring over ensuring justice for the victim. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “The victim in the RG Kar case is still crying awaiting trial. But the Kolkata Police now has only one job, judging the posts of opposition leaders and common people by going through social media.”
The outrage has also extended to the medical community, with the IMA writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining a series of demands, including better security in hospitals, a thorough and professional investigation of the crime, and appropriate compensation for the victim’s family. The letter underscored the need for systemic changes to protect healthcare workers and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The “White” Bengal Police: A Toothless Tiger
Doctors were getting thrashed, girls were getting threatened with rape, senior and junior doctors got murder threats in front of police officers, and our so-called, “White Police” were seen running away from the mob to save their own lives.
“Itna sach nahi bolna tha bhai” going on in my head as I am typing. because I know people are being threatened by the Kolkata police. They are sending their goons in search of Female Doctors who are posting any information related to this case.
The Kolkata Police, often referred to as the “White” Bengal Police due to their colonial-era uniforms, have found themselves at the center of a storm of controversy. Their handling of the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case has led to accusations of bias, incompetence, and a lack of transparency. The term “White” Bengal Police has taken on a new meaning in the public discourse, symbolizing not just their uniforms but also their perceived alignment with the state’s political elite.
The police force’s actions have been interpreted by many as an attempt to shield powerful interests rather than serve the cause of justice. The summoning of doctors and opposition leaders, coupled with the crackdown on social media posts, has created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, where those who dare to speak out are quickly silenced.
This perception has only been exacerbated by the Mamata Banerjee government’s response, or lack thereof, to the public’s demands for accountability. The Chief Minister’s silence on the issue has been deafening, leading to speculation that the administration is more concerned with managing the fallout than addressing the root causes of the tragedy.
Calls for Mamata Banerjee’s Resignation After the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: A Turning Point in Bengal Politics?
The demand for justice has now intertwined with broader political demands, with calls for Mamata Banerjee’s resignation growing louder. The opposition, led by the BJP, has seized upon the incident as evidence of the TMC government’s failures, particularly in ensuring law and order in the state.
The incident has galvanized opposition forces, who argue that the Mamata Banerjee government has lost its moral authority to govern. The victim’s horrific death has become a symbol of the state’s broader issues, from the deteriorating law and order situation to the perceived corruption and inefficiency of the administration.
Protests have erupted across Bengal, with various groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and student activists, taking to the streets to demand justice and accountability. These protests have not only been about the tragic loss of a young doctor but have also become a broader movement against the state’s failures.
The Broader Implications to Bengal Polity
Not only is the terrible episode at RG Kar Medical College a one-time occurrence, but it also speaks to more serious systemic problems with Bengal’s legal and medical institutions. The working conditions of physicians, hospital security deficiencies, and law enforcement’s handling of delicate situations have all been subject to criticism.
Systemic improvements are desperately needed, as seen by the IMA’s requests for improved hospital security, improved working conditions for physicians, and a comprehensive investigation into the crime. The seriousness of the problem is shown by the demand that hospitals be designated safe zones with security measures equivalent to those in airports.
The case has also raised important questions about the role of the police in a democracy. The Kolkata Police’s actions in this case, particularly their focus on controlling the narrative and suppressing dissent, have sparked a broader debate about the need for police reforms and the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies serve the public interest, not political masters.
Conclusion: Who Is the Kolkata Police Really Trying to Save?
Bengali doctors’ and protestor’s only query, “Who are you trying to save?” is more than simply a rhetorical one; it’s a demand for transparency and responsibility. Many have questioned whether the Kolkata Police are more interested in defending the powerful than in providing justice for the victim in light of the force’s conduct following the tragedy at RG Kar Medical College.
Deep faults in Bengal’s healthcare and law enforcement systems have been made clear by the terrible death of the young doctor, and the public’s outrage is a reflection of their unhappiness with these systemic shortcomings. A larger movement for change is behind the requests for police changes, the resignation of Mamata Banerjee, and improved hospital security.
As the CBI continues its investigation, the people of Bengal and the nation will be watching closely. They will be looking for answers, for justice, and for a commitment to ensuring that such a horrific crime
Our Opinion:
The Kolkata Rape and Murder Case is just one example of the grave injustices that have happened in West Bengal in the “Age of DIDI”. Not just that, the Bengal demography has been changing rapidly in Didi’s leadership. A huge chunk of this ‘outsider’ population comes from our neighbor Bangladesh. Many illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have admitted on live camera that they are from Bangladesh and that their documents were forged by agents sitting at both border checkpoints.
These alleged officers help them get into the country using secret tunnels and pathways. Because of the dense jungle on the whole Bangladesh border, infiltrating the terrain becomes slightly easier. Also, India has always had “good relations with Bangladesh and we never had any reason to keep a tight check on that border.
The most important question that has come out from all this discussion, is why the Bengal Government trying to hamper this investigation. Who are they trying to protect by destroying the crime scene?
Once the CBI completes its investigation, all these questions might be answered. But what about the girl whose only crime was trying to get some rest? These men, whoever they are, have to be brought to light as soon as possible. We need stricter laws to protect the ones who lay their lives for us. The profession of a doctor has been kept in the adjacent place of “God” in this country. Because we believe that their hands can save lives. But what about their lives?
Bengal under Didi has become a Gestapo. Lawlessness, mob attacks, rapes, public floggings, government officials being involved in heinous crimes, and post-poll violence where only the HINDU community gets targeted. We remember a popular actress once saying that “Bengal is turning into mini-Bangladesh”. In retrospect, her claims are becoming facts.
All we want is JUSTICE for Abhaya. We are ashamed of the conduct shown by the Kolkata Police, West Bengal CM, and the Government Machinery.
This is New India
Signing off…
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