National News

BJP Slams TMC MP’s Selective Condolences On Doctor’s Rape And Murder

August 14, 2024
The Commune

Selective outrage appears to be at play as women MPs from the Trinamool Congress, known for promoting themselves as champions of feminism, remain conspicuously silent about the recent rape and murder of a young doctor at a Kolkata hospital. Using carefully chosen language from their party’s lexicon, they seem to be downplaying the severity of the incident.

Netizens questioning their lack of concern are reportedly being blocked on social media. Supporters of the broader I.N.D.I alliance are also accused of minimising the situation. They are using “allegedly” to describe the crime, despite the post-mortem report confirming it.

What happened in Kolkata

On 9 August 2024, the lifeless and partially unclothed body of a female medical intern was discovered in the lecture hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a government-operated institution, in Kolkata. Her father alleged that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered within the hospital. He said there were attempts to hide the truth.

On the night of the incident, the doctor had a late-night meal with four colleagues at 2:30 am after watching Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. Subsequently, she went to the lecture hall to unwind.

The primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, had unrestricted access to all hospital sections since he worked at the hospital police outpost. Though he was not associated with the institution, he frequented the premises. Surveillance footage captured his entry into the area where the doctor’s body was found, leading to his arrest on the 10th of August. After the dreadful deed, Roy returned home and slept in. He also cleaned his clothes to eliminate any evidence, with the police discovering his bloodstained shoes during a search.

Post-Mortem Report

The post-mortem report revealed that the doctor had been subjected to brutal torture before being asphyxiated. The report, spanning four pages, indicated that she was strangled, resulting in severe injuries in her private regions.

Moreover, the doctor’s thyroid cartilage was fractured. Sources indicated that the assault occurred, along with the rape, most likely between 3 and 5 am on 9 August 2024. Her lips, fingers, left leg, and abdomen bore marks of injuries. It was reported that the doctor’s head was slammed against a wall or floor, causing extensive injuries, and her airflow was obstructed by closing her mouth and nose to prevent vocalization.

Allegations were made that the accused physically assaulted her when she resisted. Subsequently, he carried out the assault, leading to her demise. As per the autopsy findings, the doctor had cuts on her hands and face. The impact of a severe blow caused the fragments of her broken spectacles to enter her eyes. The initial post-mortem report ruled out suicide, confirming that the trainee doctor was sexually violated before being killed.

Calcutta HC criticises WB Govt

On the 13th of August, the Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government for trying to shield the principal of the Hospital. On the same day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the doctor’s rape and murder.

NHRC issued directives to the director general of police (DGP) and chief secretary of West Bengal, seeking a comprehensive report within a fortnight. It said the report should detail the progress of the police probe, actions against the perpetrators, specifics of compensation, and steps implemented to prevent similar occurrences.

TMC Women MPs Cherry-Pick Outrage

WB BJP’s co-in charge and head of National Information & Technology Dept Amit Malavya slammed the TMC MP’s selective words of condolences. He pointed out Sagarika Ghose, Rajya Sabha MP, Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh for not identifying the crime as rape and murder.

In this context, Amit Malavya, the BJP’s National IT cell head and Co-incharge for West Bengal, criticized the TMC MPs for their selective expressions of sympathy over this rape and murder.

He stated, “The obnoxiously shrill women MPs of the TMC couldn’t muster the courage to use the words rape and murder.” Malavya shared posts of Sagarika Ghose, Rajya Sabha MP, Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh for their reticence.

Jadavpur TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh stated, “The RG Kar tragedy is shocking. No matter who investigates, the culprits behind this horrific act should face the highest degree of punishment. I hope that the CBI’s dismal conviction rate & the staggering pace of the court doesn’t end up defeating justice one deserves.”

She also praised Mamata Banerjee’s administration for advancing women’s rights over the past 11 years.

“11 years ago, Smt. @MamataOfficial  envisioned a Bengal where every girl could pursue her dreams without financial barriers. A dream where no girl would be forced to drop out of school for marriage due to financial constraints. Today, that dream is a reality. #KanyashreeDibas @MamataOfficial.”

 

Krishnanagar TMC MP Mahua Moitra adopted a similar approach. She choose her words carefully, “The horrific crime at RG Kar has shocked us to the core. No one to be spared, investigation must be quick & transparent. Thoughts, prayers & solidarity.”

Previously, she had been vocally critical of the Hindenburg report and had accused the SEBI chairperson. But now she remains notably silent following a series of protests in the state.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, in her official account, stated, “As the mother of a doctor, I am appalled and shocked at the heinous ghastly crime at RG Kar hospital over which there should be NO politics. The @MamataOfficial government stands for ZERO TOLERANCE on crimes against women. Whoever did this deserves the harshest possible punishment. No one will be spared. The key accused has already been arrested.”

 

As Malviya pointed out, none of these women identified the crime using the words – rape and murder.

This is not the first time the I.N.D.I.A alliance has displayed such behavior.

A similar pattern was observed during the Sandeshkali rape horror in TMC-ruled West Bengal. When heinous incidents occur in BJP-ruled states, like the rape of a minor in Hathras (Uttar Pradesh), they often call for the resignation of the government.

However, in this case, instead of questioning the West Bengal government, they can only “stand in solidarity with the victim.”

This perceived inconsistency and perceived irresponsibility in their response is widely criticized.

(With Inputs From OpIndia)

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