• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:51 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

RG Kar Hospital Case: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged that the outcry over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH) was a result of a conspiracy by the BJP-ruled central government and some Left parties.

She also insinuated that the alleged conspiracy was aimed at overthrowing her government in a manner similar to what happened in Bangladesh recently. Speaking at an administrative review meeting at the state secretariat 'Nabanna', the chief minister, who is also the supremo of the ruling TMC, urged people to "return to festivities" as Durga puja is fast approzching, news agency PTI reported.

KOLKATA RAPE-MURDER: TOP UPDATES OF THE DAY

- "This (the protests) is definitely a conspiracy by the Centre and some Left parties are also involved in it. Some people are taking advantage of the recent turmoil in our neighbouring country. They have forgotten that India and Bangladesh are separate nations," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was quoted as saying by PTI.

- Addressing widespread calls for the removal of incumbent Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, she claimed that the officer offered to resign multiple times in the past week. However, highlighting the need for an experienced officer at the helm of the police force ahead of the Durga puja festivities, Banerjee stated, "We need someone who understands law and order and sees us through the Durga puja festivities". "What's the harm in being a little patient given that the pujas are round the corner?" she asked, according to PTI.

- She also refuted allegations that the victim's family members were requested to accept compensation.

- The BJP attacked Banerjee, saying that an observation by the Supreme Court earlier in the day exposed her "dirty face". "The CJI (Chief Justice of India) asked why postmortem challan was missing from the records," BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said while addressing a press conference.

- Meanwhile, West Bengal's ruling TMC welcomed a directive by the apex court during the same hearing wherein it asked the protesting resident doctors in the state to return to work. "'Protests can't be at the cost of duty.'- Hon’ble Chief Justice of India... We express our gratitude to #SupremeCourt for stepping in & directing doctors, who have been abstaining from their duties over the R G Kar tragedy, to return to work by 5 PM tomorrow. The ultimate duty of a doctor is to save lives, and this commitment cannot be compromised. We humbly urge them to abide by their sacred oath to care for those in need," the party posted on X.

- CPI(M) workers staged a protest near the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar area, demanding justice for the woman doctor. Some of the protestors pushed against the barricades installed there and even tried to scale an iron wall.

(With inputs from agencies)