Kolkata: Six months after the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, her parents continue to seek justice, even as the Supreme Court has dismissed their plea for a reinvestigation and expedited hearing. The court’s decision, which the family claims reeks of political interference, has sparked statewide protests and renewed demands for accountability.
On Monday, February 10, the deceased doctor’s mother spoke to The Wire, reflecting on the emotional toll of marking what would have been her daughter’s 32nd birthday on Sunday, February 9. “This year, she wasn’t here for her favourite kheer. We will stay on the streets until those who took her from us are punished,” she said, her voice trembling.
Supreme Court
“The Supreme Court delayed this case, and while we respect its verdict, we fear powerful political forces are at play,” she added.
The parents alleged that despite their appeals, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to thoroughly probe the rape and murder, granting bail to two accused while ignoring evidence implicating others beyond the primary convict, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy. Their lawyer, Karuna Nandy, pled in court for urgent hearings, citing a “lack of oversight” in the CBI’s work. However, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna rejected the plea, stating no urgency was warranted.
The next hearing is slated for March 17.
RSS
From the very beginning, this case has been mired in accusations of political manipulation.
Last week, the family met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat in Kolkata. According to the family, Bhagwat offered vague assurances, stating he would “try” to help after hearing details through “sources.” Last August, Bhagwat called the murder “condemnable” but pledged support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decisions – a stance that drew scepticism. Union home minister Amit Shah also did not meet the family despite their requests during his last visit to Kolkata.
“We’ll keep fighting through every channel,” the father said. “We’re not affiliated with any party, but this government’s actions forced us onto the streets.”
Silent marches
On February 9, thousands across West Bengal joined silent marches, health camps, and candlelight vigils to mark the doctor’s birthday and the six-month anniversary of her killing.
“We respect the Supreme Court’s verdict, but it’s clear a powerful political group is manipulating the process. We won’t give up. On Sunday, lakhs across the state protested. From Kolkata to North Bengal’s Bangladesh border, people rallied. This has reignited our resolve,” said Subarna Goswami, a leader of the doctors’ movement.
Meanwhile, the family’s attempts to organise a health camp in their former neighbourhood – where their daughter grew up – were blocked by administration.
“They cancelled our permission, but locals held the camp elsewhere,” the father said. “They demand Sanjay Roy’s execution in court but obstruct our efforts. What kind of twisted politics is this?”
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress launched a doctors’ wing on February 8, vowing to counter “anti-government propaganda.” Minister Shashi Panja, heading the wing, warned, “The government is monitoring doctors who neglect duties to protest.”
Translated from the Bengali original by Aparna Bhattacharya.
