Kolkata, Aug 12: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to transfer the alleged rape and murder case of a woman physician inside a Kolata hospital to the CBI if the police failed to solve it by Sunday, amid public outrage.
Banerjee’s promise, however, did not placate the protesting students, who criticized the chief minister for setting a seven-day deadline to address the alleged rape and murder of a fellow doctor.
They demanded a judicial inquiry, capital punishment for the culprits, adequate compensation for the victim’s family and stronger security measures at hospitals.
At least three Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were also filed before the Calcutta High Court, demanding that the investigation be transferred to the CBI. A division bench will hear these PILs on Tuesday.
Visiting the residence of the deceased doctor, the chief minister vowed to seek the death penalty for those responsible and stated her determination to see that justice is served.
Banerjee said the family members of the deceased doctor suspect that an insider was involved. “I want the police to arrest the culprits as soon as possible. If they are unable to crack the case by Sunday, we will hand it over to the CBI. I don’t have an issue with the central agency taking over, but its success rate is low,” Banerjee said.
The chief minister pointed out several high-profile cases that the CBI has failed to solve, expressing scepticism about the agency’s effectiveness.
She also emphasized the need for the case to be tried in a fast-track court, underscoring the severity of the crime. “I have told the police that if there is any such doubt against anyone – the victim’s friends and others – should be questioned,” she said.
Security of docs should
be prime, say experts
Condemning the rape and murder of the doctor, experts on Monday stressed the need for the safety and security of doctors.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Past President of IMA Cochin, told IANS that the Kolkata incident has raised the question of the safety of doctors — especially women who work at hospitals.
Dr. Ishwar Gilada, who leads the Organised Medicine Academic Guild-OMAG, a doctor’s body, told IANS that “this is not a new thing. A lot of assaults and issues related to doctors’ safety and security are happening day in and day out in the country”
The experts also raised concerns about the lack of proper resting rooms for doctors on duty.
“Resting place for doctors on duty is not provided. The state of safety and security in public hospitals is pathetic. Anyone and everyone can go inside hospitals, in wards, corridors, and buildings. Most places also lack surveillance like CCTV cameras, if they are, then most are out of order,” Dr. Gilada added.
The experts also suggested self-defence training for doctors. (Agencies)
