Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 9, 2024, Kolkata:
The tragic case of the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked widespread outrage and political uproar in West Bengal. The controversy has been further fueled by the state government’s mention of a ₹10 lakh compensation, which has now become a heated point of debate. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for the first time, publicly addressed the issue, challenging the claims surrounding the compensation announcement.At a recent event in Behala on August 14, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the possibility of providing compensation in the RG Kar case. She reportedly mentioned that ₹10 lakh could be considered as compensation for the victim’s family. This statement quickly became a flashpoint for opposition leaders, who criticized the Chief Minister for what they perceived as a lack of sensitivity. Some opposition figures even sarcastically commented that the Chief Minister was “setting a price” for the life of the young doctor.
Faced with mounting criticism, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a firm stance on Monday at Nabanna, the state administrative headquarters, refuting the claims about a specific compensation amount. She demanded proof from those accusing her of mentioning ₹10 lakh as compensation. “No money was mentioned,” Banerjee asserted. “Where is the proof that money was mentioned? That evidence must be provided.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks have brought a new dimension to the already volatile situation. Banerjee argued that her intention was not to offer monetary compensation but to encourage good deeds in memory of the deceased. “The family was not told about any money. If you want to do good work in the memory of the daughter, tell them. I said this,” she stated. She further emphasized that allegations about compensation being offered were baseless unless concrete evidence was presented to support them.
The controversy intensified as the victim’s family expressed their outrage over the Chief Minister’s earlier statements. Tilottama’s father, visibly angered, announced that the family would not accept any form of compensation from the government. “We do not want any government compensation from the Chief Minister,” he declared, reflecting the family’s deep disappointment and anger at how the situation has been handled at the highest level of the state administration.
Opposition parties have been relentless in their criticism, accusing the Chief Minister of undermining the gravity of the situation. They have continued to press the narrative that the state government, by allegedly mentioning compensation, was attempting to sidestep accountability for the serious lapses in law and order that may have led to the young doctor’s tragic death.
The RG Kar Hospital case has already triggered a storm of protests and political battles in West Bengal, drawing attention to issues of safety and justice in public institutions. The Chief Minister’s latest comments have only added to the controversy, highlighting the tension between the government and the opposition, as well as the emotional responses from the public and the victim’s family.
As the debate rages on, the demand for justice for the young doctor remains at the forefront, with both political and civil society groups calling for a transparent and thorough investigation. The case continues to serve as a reminder of the deep societal and administrative challenges faced by the state, as leaders navigate the complexities of governance, public sentiment, and political strategy.
The next steps in this high-profile case are likely to determine the direction of the discourse in West Bengal, as calls for accountability and justice grow louder with each passing day.