Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a medical college in Kolkata, West Bengal. Speaking on Thursday, Harivansh highlighted the tragic irony of such a horrific crime occurring in a city known for its reverence towards Maa Durga, even after 78 years of independence.
In an interview with ANI, Harivansh commented on the nationwide outcry sparked by the incident, noting the widespread protests led by women and medical professionals in solidarity with the victim. “After 78 years of independence and in the 75th year of the implementation of the Constitution, such an incident has happened in this country, especially in the land where people worship Maa Durga. This land has a long and rich history of equality between men and women, which is why Prime Minister Modi expressed his pain from the Red Fort,” he stated.
Harivansh underscored the gravity of the situation, expressing concern that such incidents continue to occur decades after independence. “There cannot be any other incident more tragic and shocking than this. The anguish over this incident was clearly reflected in the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort today,” he added.
The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman called on those in positions of power to take immediate action to restore public trust in law enforcement and administration. He emphasized that law and order is a state subject and urged state authorities to create an environment where such heinous acts are not repeated. “Certainly, those who are in the administration, those in power, should work towards building trust in the police and administration. Politics should not interfere in such cases, and the culprits should be brought to justice swiftly. We must ensure that such incidents never happen again,” Harivansh said.
He also urged the West Bengal government and local administration to take decisive action against those responsible and to focus on rebuilding public confidence in the legal system. Harivansh stressed the need for every state to ensure that such crimes are not repeated within their jurisdictions.
The tragic incident took place on August 9 when the post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim’s family has alleged that she was raped and murdered. The case has triggered widespread protests by doctors and medical fraternities across the country, demanding justice and accountability.
