West Bengal Doctor's Murder: Suspect Arrested as CM Mamata Pushes for Death Penalty

Police have arrested the suspect involved in the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a state-run hospital. Following the arrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused. The suspect, who was reportedly an outsider frequenting the hospital, has been remanded to 14-day police custody.

The body of the woman doctor was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Government Hospital in north Kolkata. Preliminary autopsy reports suggest she was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The accused has been charged with rape and murder based on circumstantial evidence and testimonies from doctors present during night-duty hours.

Chief Minister's Response

Chief Minister Banerjee stated that her government would not oppose a CBI probe if requested by the students and family. "If they do not trust the West Bengal government, they can approach any investigating agency; we have no objection," she said. She also directed officials to expedite the trial by moving it to a fast-track court.

In a post on X, Raj Bhavan mentioned that Governor CV Ananda Bose has asked the state government to take immediate action and submit a report. "HG is also taking up the matter with the Govt of India for appropriate action," the post added.

Protests and Demands

Junior doctors and students at various state-run hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College, held protest sit-ins and processions. Similar protests occurred at district hospitals like Bardhaman Medical College and Bankura Sammilani Medical College. The Chief Minister endorsed their demands for exemplary punishment for the accused and enhanced security at hospitals.

Banerjee announced that police camps have been set up at every hospital to prevent further assaults on doctors. She emphasised that hospital superintendents and principals are responsible for maintaining internal security and assured that any negligence on their part will be investigated.

Political Reactions

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee stated that people accused of such heinous crimes should either face capital punishment or encounter as they don't deserve a place in society. He urged the Centre to bring in an ordinance for immediate action against such culprits, which could later be amended after six months.

Union Minister of State and BJP's West Bengal state president Sukanta Majumdar demanded a CBI probe into the incident. He told reporters, "The injury marks on the body of the woman doctor indicate this cannot be the handiwork of one person."

Addressing protesters near the hospital, CPIM West Bengal state secretary Mohd Salim said, "The City of Joy has turned into a City of fear. No one is safe under this Trinamool Congress government; the whole country is condemning this gruesome incident."

Security Measures

A delegation from National Medicos Organisation (NMO) West Bengal met Governor CV Ananda Bose to express their deep anguish over the incident. They demanded proper security for those on duty, especially women medical practitioners at night.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal stated that they would ensure maximum punishment for the accused if charges are proven in court. "This is a heinous crime, and the arrested person is allegedly involved based on circumstantial evidence," he said.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh questioned the necessity of ongoing protests after Chief Minister Banerjee's statement welcoming a probe by any other agency. "There can be protests over such heinous crimes. That is perfectly understandable," he said.

The Chief Minister urged junior doctors to continue providing healthcare services while supporting their demands for justice and security improvements in hospitals.