Mamata Banerjee Issues Ultimatum: CBI To Step In If Police Can't Solve Doctor's Rape-Murder Case

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern warning to the police amid growing protests over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

She stated that the case would be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the Kolkata Police failed to solve it by August 18.

Calling the incident "extremely painful" and "shocking," Banerjee revealed that the victim's parents suspected internal involvement in the crime.

She emphasized the need for swift justice, urging the case to be fast-tracked to ensure a quicker judicial process. "Whoever is involved in the case should be punished immediately," she asserted.

The victim was discovered on August 9 in a seminar hall at the hospital, with injury marks on her body. An autopsy confirmed she was raped before being murdered. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer known to frequent the hospital, was arrested on August 10 and is currently in 14-day police custody.

Banerjee has already taken action by removing the hospital's principal, Head of Department, Medical Superintendent cum Vice Principal (MSVP), and the ASP.

She reiterated that if necessary, the accused would face the death penalty and underscored the importance of transferring the case to a fast-track court to provide the victim's family with timely justice.

Protests have erupted nationwide, with doctors and post-graduate students striking in response to the crime.

The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of AIIMS, Delhi, has made six demands, including a CBI inquiry, strict action against the culprits, and adequate compensation for the victim's family.

Four petitions have been filed in the Calcutta High Court, also seeking a CBI probe, with the court scheduled to hear the matter on August 13.