Shruti Suman
New Delhi: A day after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s measured response to the tragic rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, Rahul Gandhi took a more direct approach, questioning the conduct of the “local administration” in West Bengal, a state governed by ally Trinamool Congress.
“The attempt to protect the accused instead of delivering justice to the victim is deeply troubling and casts a shadow over both the hospital and the local authorities,” Gandhi asserted in a social media post. “This incident forces us to confront a harsh reality: if doctors are unsafe within the walls of a medical college, how can parents feel secure sending their daughters away for education? Why have the stringent laws introduced after the Nirbhaya case failed to curb such horrific crimes?”
Gandhi’s post underscored the urgent need for a nationwide dialogue on the escalating violence against women, citing incidents from Hathras, Unnao, Kathua, and now Kolkata. He called on all political parties and societal leaders to take concrete steps to address these alarming trends.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, breaking the Congress’s earlier silence, expressed her deep anguish over the incident and urged the Trinamool Congress government to act decisively.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration is under increasing scrutiny for its handling of the case, which has sent shockwaves through the state.
The criticism from Gandhi adds to the mounting pressure from political adversaries—BJP, the Left, and state Congress leaders—who have been vocal in their condemnation. Moreover, civil society’s response has been profound, with women—a key demographic that previously rallied behind Mamata Banerjee—organizing a midnight march tonight, supported by some within her own party.
Given the volatile context, Gandhi’s national stature could intensify the backlash against the state government.
The 41-year-old postgraduate doctor was found in a seminar room early Friday morning, partially unclothed and with multiple injuries. The main suspect, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police who had access to all departments at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was apprehended after CCTV footage revealed him entering the building where the crime occurred.
Local media report that Roy confessed to the crime, allegedly telling police, “Hang me if you want.” Despite this, there are speculations that the case may involve more complexities than initially believed, with inconsistencies and unanswered questions giving rise to various conspiracy theories.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has now taken over the investigation, following a directive from the Calcutta High Court.
