Union Minister Blasts Mamata Banerjee Over Rape Case Handling

Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticizes West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's handling of a trainee doctor's rape and murder case, supporting the Calcutta High Court's order for a CBI investigation. CBI arrives in Kolkata; national outrage and calls for safer medical environments follow.

Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Wednesday sharply criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her administration of attempting to divert attention from the trainee doctor's rape and murder case. Following the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Rai stated, 'Mamata Banerjee's government wanted to divert attention from the case, hush it up, but the court has taken cognizance and ordered a CBI inquiry. The CBI will actively investigate the matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.'

A CBI team has arrived in Kolkata to take over the probe into the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College. The crime, which occurred on August 9, led to nationwide outrage. On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court mandated a CBI investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the incident as 'shocking' and expressed his support for the victim's family. Commenting on the High Court's decision, Tharoor said, 'The CM had given the police one week to solve the crime, and now it turns out the CBI has been brought in. If they have greater expertise and experience in this matter, let them make their contribution.' Concurrently, the National Medical Commission (NMC), under the direction of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, issued an advisory to all medical colleges and institutions to develop policies ensuring a safe work environment.

In an official notice, the NMC stated, 'Incidents of violence against doctors in medical colleges have been reported in the recent past. All medical colleges are requested to develop a policy for a safe work environment within the college and hospital campus for all staff members, including faculty, medical students, and resident doctors.' The advisory emphasizes adequate safety measures in OPDs, wards, casualty areas, hostels, and other campus areas, including sufficient evening lighting and CCTV monitoring.

(With inputs from agencies.)