Mamata Banerjee Accuses CPI(M), BJP Of Vandalism At Kolkata Hospital

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Baner has accused CPI(M) and BJP workers of being involved in the vandalism at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. After meeting the Governor, she claimed that "outsiders" carrying flags of these parties were responsible for the damage during protests against the rape and murder of a trainee.

"I have received information that outsiders, some political party workers of 'Baam and Ram' done this. Students have no role in it. I condemn the incident and I will hold a rally tomorrow demanding a hanging sentence (for the rape accused)," said Mamata Banerjee.

Protests Turn Violent

On Wednesday night, thousands of women participated in the 'Reclaim the Night' protest across West Bengal, demanding justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor. While most protests were peaceful, chaos erupted at RG Kar hospital when a mob stormed in, vandalising the emergency ward and police vehicles.

The police reported that around 40-50 people disguised as protesters entered the hospital premises and caused significant damage. In response, police fired tear gas and used lathicharge to control the situation.

Impact on Patients

Mamata Banerjee highlighted that the vandalism forced patients to leave without treatment. "Several patients are returning to their villages without getting treatment. I have learnt that few have died. But few seniors (doctors) are doing service. We have met every demand," she stated.

She added, "Medicines were looted, infrastructure was damaged. I learnt that few people said that they would not keep patients here because they were not getting treatment."

BJP's Response

The BJP demanded Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In an X post, they criticised Kolkata Police for their delayed response during the assault.

"When peaceful citizens of West Bengal took to the streets, vicious thugs, in a premeditated strike, ransacked RG Kar Hospital, leaving chaos and injuries in their wake," read the post. "Where was Kolkata Police during this brutal assault? Hiding in the shadows, only to emerge after the damage was done."

Accusations Against TMC

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the vandalism to derail the CBI probe into the rape and murder case. He suggested that TMC had ulterior motives behind these actions.

Mamata Banerjee reiterated her stance against violence within hospitals. "I saw flags of the Left and BJP...the way they attacked the police. One of my officers-in-charge was missing for one hour. Later, he was found wounded," she said.

The Chief Minister condemned such actions inside medical facilities and assured that her government had never resorted to such measures during agitations.

The situation remains tense as political parties continue to blame each other for the unrest at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital while citizens await justice for the victim.