On Monday, September 23, 2024, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders in West Bengal protested outside the DC North Office. They were demanding justice for the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and raised their voice against the TMC government for not allowing BJP to hold peaceful protests.

What’s the matter?

Notably, the tragic incident occurred on August 9, 2024, involving brutal rape and murder of a 33-year-old trainee doctor. This incident sparked nationwide outrage and protests being carried out by the junior doctors and opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation.

Leaders Criticizing the TMC government

Dilip Ghosh, BJP leader, bashed the ruling Trinamool Congress Government (TMC) over the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. He accused the government of trying to bribe the victim’s family to shut their mouths.

Ghosh claimed that the government wants to shut the family’s mouth by giving them Rs 10 lakhs as compensation for their daughter’s life. He added that it was commendable that her family refused to take the bribe.

“They want to buy everyone. They (TMC and CM Mamata Banerjee) want to bribe everyone. If rape happens, someone bribes them. They shut their mouths,” he added.

Another BJP leader, Locket Chatterjee questioned, “They let other parties do the programs but why not BJP? We were ready to do the peaceful program.”

“Will they be able to stop the atrocities done to women in West Bengal?” she further asserted.

Recent Protests Carried out by BJP

This is to be noted that earlier BJP organized a torch march in West Bengal against the case, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. The leaders accused the government of trying to hurl up the matter.

The rally was led by Sukanto Majumdar, a BJP state in charge in Jagatballapur district. The leaders and party representatives took out the protests against how the case had been suppressed by the government. A doctor’s statement also came out where she claimed that she was threatened to be killed if she didn’t perform the postmortem. They protested against Mamata Banerjee and vowed to carry out protests in every district.

What are the latest updates in the case?

As the protests and accusations continue in the case, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 1, 2024, on a suo-moto plea regarding the case.

In addition to this, the West Bengal government has also approved the hiring of 1,514 additional security personnel for hospitals and medical colleges to enhance safety for women working late. This has been approved following the ongoing protests by junior doctors and other community groups.

The CPI (M) has also formed a legal cell to assist women protesters facing police harassment during demonstrations. On the other hand, the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) also continues to carry out ongoing investigations. The suspect, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, with the Kolkata Police Disaster Management Force, has been arrested.