Kolkata: The massive uproar over the death of 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital here has prompted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to direct authorities to fast-track the case.
The junior doctor was found dead inside the seminar hall of the state-run hospital on Friday.
The autopsy report, which was available on Saturday, revealed that the woman was sexually assaulted before being killed, having bled from private parts with injury marks on other parts of her body as well.
Calling the incident “unfortunate”, Mamata said the arrested accused worked in the hospital and would be hanged, if required.
“Firstly, the incident is unfortunate and despicable. It feels like a personal loss to me. I have directed the case to be taken to a fast-track court. If needed, the accused will be hanged. But they should be given the strictest punishment,” she said.
The CM said doctors’ anger and demands are justified.
“For those who are protesting, if they feel they don’t have faith in the state administration, they can approach any other law-enforcement agency. I have no issues with that. We want proper and thorough investigation and stringent punishment for the culprits,” Mamata added, saying she was open to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe also, as demanded by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Kolkata Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), including members of homicide department, to probe the incident.
Mamata urged doctors not to avoid treating patients even as they continued their protest.
“Just as we have a responsibility, the hospital’s superintendent too has a responsibility. We will also probe if there was negligence on any part,” Mamata said.
Asked if the victim’s family has demanded a probe by a central agency, the CM said the state government has no objection as there was nothing we have to hide.
“The Commissioner of Police was in the hospital and he was in contact with me. I am clearly saying that an exemplary punishment has to be made,” the Bengal CM reiterated.
