Mamata Banerjee Urges Doctors to Return to Duty Amid Protests Over Trainee Doctor’s Murder

As protests escalate across Kolkata following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside the premises of a hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to protesting doctors to return to work. On Wednesday, she welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s decision to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urging the agency to close the case by Sunday.

The Chief Minister also demanded capital punishment for the culprit, vowing that justice would be served for the victim’s family. Additionally, she condemned political parties for what she described as “cheap politics” and called on protesting doctors to end their strike, emphasizing the toll on healthcare services.

“I urge doctors who have not joined the duty to resume immediately. Three people have died, including a minor and a pregnant woman,” Banerjee stated. In a poignant plea, she added, “If it makes you happy, I will touch your feet and request you to resume your duties to help people with medical assistance.”

Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Opposition

The Chief Minister also targeted the opposition parties, CPI(M) and BJP, accusing them of exploiting the incident for political gain and inciting unrest similar to recent student agitations in Bangladesh. Banerjee announced that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would hold protests across the state on August 17 against what she termed the “Baam-Raam (BJP-Left) conspiracy to defame Bengal.”

In response, BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya criticized Banerjee’s decision, calling it “shocking and insensitive.” He added, “West Bengal will respond to Mamata Banerjee at the right time.”

TMC leaders quickly reacted to Malviya’s remarks, demanding his arrest. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh tweeted, “Are you planning a violent attack on Didi? The Kolkata Police should investigate the sinister motive behind this vile man’s statement.”

Mamata Welcomes High Court Order for CBI Probe

Chief Minister Banerjee expressed her support for the Calcutta High Court’s order granting a CBI probe into the case. “We would abide by the Calcutta High Court’s order and extend all support to the CBI. We have no problem with CBI being handed over the case as we want it solved at the earliest,” she said.

The High Court’s decision on Tuesday to transfer the case from the Kolkata Police to the CBI was seen as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.