Mamata Banerjee Urges Calm Amid Doctor's Murder Protests, Denies Offering Money

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appeals for doctors to resume work amid protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. She denies offering money to the victim's family. Urges for normalcy ahead of Durga Puja and alleges a conspiracy by the Centre and left parties.

Amid ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called on doctors to return to work and denied allegations of offering money to the victim's family. During an administrative review meeting, Banerjee emphasized the Supreme Court's directive for doctors to resume duties and assured them they are welcome to meet her.

Banerjee urged citizens to return to normal activities ahead of Durga Puja and requested junior doctors to resume their duties. She dismissed accusations of offering money to the victim's family as 'slander' and a conspiracy involving the Centre and left parties. 'I have never offered money to the deceased doctor's family,' she reiterated, adding that the state is ready to support any initiatives in the doctor's memory.

On Monday, the Supreme Court reminded that no action should be taken against doctors who return to work by Tuesday, 5 pm, but noted that failure to do so could lead to disciplinary actions by the state government. Policemen Vineet Goyal's resignation offer was discussed, with Banerjee highlighting the need for experienced law enforcement ahead of the festival.

Responding to escalating tensions, Banerjee mentioned that two doctors have already been suspended following a complaint. She also condemned the attacks on migrant workers from Rajasthan in Odisha, claiming that Bengalis are being targeted in BJP-ruled states. Discussing the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, she stated its implementation is a priority.

Banerjee emphasized the importance of maintaining health infrastructure and ensuring no action is taken against doctors. She alleged the protests were part of a conspiracy hatched by the Centre and CPI-M and criticized the Reclaim the Night movement for disturbing senior citizens. She also instructed officials to be vigilant during Durga Puja and requested the Election Commission to extend voter ID registration deadlines.

The protests follow the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate medical student inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)