Six months after the appalling rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, her family continues to cry for justice, even though the Supreme Court denied their appeal for a reinvestigation and accelerated hearings. The court's verdict has triggered protests statewide, with many alleging political interference in the case.
Family's Continued Struggle for Justice
On February 10, the victim's mother opened about the agony of celebrating what would have been her daughter's 32nd birthday on February 9. "This year, she was not here to savour her favourite kheer. We will continue to protest until those who took her away from us are punished," she said with tears in her eyes.
The parents accuse CBI of having conducted an inadequate investigation. While civil volunteer Sanjay Roy was convicted, the family states that others involved have not been thoroughly investigated. In court, their lawyer, Karuna Nandy, argued for expedited hearing, claiming “lack of oversight” in the CBI’s work. But Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna dismissed the plea, saying that there was no urgency involved in the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17.
Political Interference Allegations
The case is riddled with allegations of political interference. Last week, the victim’s family met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, who provided vague reassurances, stating that he would “try” to help. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reportedly ignored a family request for a meeting during his last visit to Kolkata.
The family claims it had no political affiliation but felt it had no option left other than opposing the government's inaction. "We’re not affiliated to any party, but the actions of this government forced us on to the streets," said the father of the victim.
Statewide Protests and Government Response
On February 9, thousands across West Bengal held silent marches, vigils, or health camps taking place in memory of the doctor. While the parents of the victim wanted to hold a health camp back in their locality, police are said to have denied it. "They have cancelled our permission. But locals got together and held it somewhere else," said the father, coming up with this accusation that the government thwarts their movement.
Another strand to this situation came on February 8, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) establishing its own doctors' wing to counter what it calls "anti-government propaganda." According to wing chairperson Shashi Panja, the government has eyes on doctors that are involved in protest activities instead of performing their duties.
Rising Public Anger
This case was juxtaposed against other instances of delayed justice for victims of violent crimes. In a similar incident that took place in Bihar, a woman was murdered and it took months for the authorities to take any concrete action. An outpouring of public rage continues as legal experts question whether political affiliations are hampering justice in high-profile criminal cases.
Legal activists and human rights groups have pressed for open investigations in order to guarantee that political influence does not serve to stymie the judicial process. The family of the victim, although rebuffed at such setbacks, has pledged to continue their fight. "We won't give up," said Subarna Goswami, one of the leaders of the doctors' movement. "This has given us a renewed impetus".
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)