Amid ongoing protests over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused opposition parties of attempting to ‘wrest power’ from her by staging a ‘Bangladesh-like movement’ in the state.
“CPI(M) and BJP are trying to organize Bangladesh-like protests to capture power in West Bengal,” she said during an event.
This accusation follows the recent ousting of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina due to a month-long student-led uprising in that country.
With the Calcutta High Court transferring the investigation into the rape-murder case from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Banerjee urged protesting medics to return to work.
“You must now return to work. My government will extend all support to the CBI…we too want it solved quickly,” said the leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Banerjee also claimed that West Bengal was being subjected to a ‘malicious campaign.’
“We took all actions in the case. Yet, a malicious campaign is on,” she asserted, emphasizing that while people are free to criticize her, they should not attack the state.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has sparked nationwide demonstrations by resident doctors, who have continued their strike despite the high court’s decision to have the CBI handle the case. Their main demands are prompt justice for the victim and the establishment of a central law to ensure the safety and security of doctors on duty.
In solidarity, women in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal will participate in ‘Reclaim the Night’ at 11:55 p.m. on Thursday, aligning with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations at midnight.