RG Kar hospital case: assurance of justice in West Bengal Assembly leaves victim's mother in tears

In the West Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case and reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women. His remarks, made during the Governor's Speech discussion, left the victim's mother, BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, visibly emotional in the House.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told the Assembly on Tuesday that justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case. The assurance came during a debate on the Governor’s Speech. The statement moved the victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, who was present in the House as a BJP MLA.

Adhikari said the state government followed a "zero tolerance\" policy on crimes against women. Adhikari added that voters expected action in the RG Kar matter. \"RG Kar case will see justice... People of Bengal have voted so that Abhaya gets justice,\" Adhikari said in the House.

RG Kar case justice: victim’s mother reacts in Assembly

After the chief minister’s remarks, Ratna Debnath broke down in tears inside the House. The Panihati MLA was seen being comforted by another legislator. Later, Debnath said, \"I am hopeful that my daughter will get justice. Im here Assembly not for power, but for justice for my daughter.\"

The case involved a 31-year-old on-duty postgraduate trainee doctor. The doctor was found raped and murdered inside RG Kar hospital on August 9, 2024. The Trinamool Congress was then in power. Protesters used the name \"Abhaya fearless\" as a symbolic tag for the doctor.

RG Kar case justice: suspensions, removal, and CBI reinvestigation

Adhikari linked the push for justice to administrative action after the incident. \"To ensure justice, three IPS officers have been suspended. Sandip Ghosh has been removed. We will clear everything.\" Dr Sandip Ghosh was the hospital principal when the crime happened.

Former Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal was suspended in connection with the case. Ex-deputy commissioners Indira Mukherjee and Abhishek Gupta were also suspended for related reasons. A civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, was convicted as the main perpetrator. Sanjoy Roy received a life sentence.

Even after the conviction, public discussion continued about a wider conspiracy. Many people also alleged a state-backed cover-up involving influential figures. The CBI has started a reinvestigation of the case. Adhikari said the government aimed to address all linked issues through its actions.

Zero tolerance and justice: Adhikari cites older rape cases

Adhikari also listed past and recent rape cases during the Assembly debate. Adhikari mentioned Rampurhat, Hanskhali, Kasba Law College, Kamduni and Dhupguri. Adhikari said these incidents shaped the government’s strict approach. \"Tamannas mother will also get justice... From the Namasudra family in Hanskhali to Kamduni and Kasba Law College… there will be zero tolerance,\" Adhikari said.

Tamanna case justice: Assembly protest and chief minister’s reply

Adhikari also referred to the death of 13-year-old Tamanna Khatun from Molandi village. Tamanna Khatun died on June 23 last year in Kaliganj, Nadia district. Bombs were allegedly hurled during a Trinamool Congress victory celebration rally. The rally was taken out before bypoll results were officially declared.

Kaliganj Trinamool Congress MLA Alifa Ahmed spoke during a discussion on hawker eviction. BJP MLAs raised slogans during the speech. They shouted, \"Talk about Tamanna. You are Tamannas killer, thief.\" In reply, Adhikari said, \"After you won the election, Tamanna was killed. I do not want to hear about democracy from you.\"

Tamanna case justice: meeting with mother and Left leaders

A delegation later met Adhikari at the state Assembly to seek justice for Tamanna. It included Tamanna’s mother, CPIM leader Minakshi Mukherjee, and party MLA Mustafizur Rahman. A well-placed source in the CMO said Tamanna’s mother asked for a fair, impartial probe. The request also included speedy justice.

Adhikari assured the family that the matter would be handled with sensitivity. Adhikari said required administrative steps would be examined. Mukherjee also raised alleged political violence and killings of Left workers. Mukherjee referred to incidents over recent years and during elections, and urged fair investigations.

Separately, the father of student leader Anis Khan met Adhikari as well. Anis Khan died on February 19, 2022, after falling from the second floor of a home in Amta, Howrah district. The death was described as mysterious. Adhikari raised concerns about how the investigation progressed under the previous regime.

With inputs from PTI