Congress leaders, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Renuka Chowdhury, have sharply criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal over the death of a female trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident, which involved the sexual assault and murder of the post-graduate trainee on August 9, has sparked widespread outrage.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemned the state administration’s response, accusing it of indecision and failing to maintain law and order. “The state government should take action but remains in a dilemma. The law and order situation is worsening. The state government is not capable and seems intent on helping the accused,” Chowdhury said.
Renuka Chowdhury also expressed her concerns, stating that such incidents should never occur, and emphasizing the need for ensuring the safety of doctors. “This shouldn’t have happened. If a doctor is not safe while performing their duties inside a hospital, it will lead to protests. The expectations of common people should not be shattered. I stand with the doctors,” she said. Chowdhury added that Mamata Banerjee has promised a CBI inquiry if the culprits are not apprehended by Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, directing the Kolkata Police to immediately hand over all relevant documents to the CBI. The decision came as the court considered several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to the incident.
The case has also triggered controversy regarding administrative appointments. The Calcutta High Court has asked the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, to submit a leave application after his recent appointment as principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which led to protests.
The death of the trainee doctor has shocked the state, with an investigation confirming that she was raped and murdered. The deceased’s body bore signs of a struggle, including scratch marks, and her family has alleged foul play, insisting that she was sexually assaulted and killed.