West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing a rally on Friday, expressed concern over the spread of fake news on social media, which she claims is being used to mislead the public and obscure the truth.
“We want the truth to come out, but some quarters are peddling lies to mislead people…The nexus of Left and BJP should be exposed,” said Banerjee.
West Bengal CM Hon’ble Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial didi) leading a protest in Kolkata against the brutal rape & murder of #RGkar Medical student, demands capital punishment for the accused.#BanglarBhorsaMamata #KolkataDoctorDeath #MamataBanerjee #WesWantJustice… pic.twitter.com/WsFg7Ovv4h
— Dipankar Kumar Das (@titu_dipankar) August 16, 2024
Her comments come in the context of ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at R G Kar Government College and Hospital, which has sparked widespread outrage across the state.
IMA Announces 24-Hour Nationwide Strike in Solidarity
In a significant show of support for the protests, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services starting at 6 am on Saturday, August 17. The IMA’s decision underscores the medical community’s demand for justice and safer working conditions for doctors. The strike is expected to impact healthcare services across the country, although emergency services will remain operational.
The investigation into the horrific incident has gained momentum, with the Calcutta High Court hearing a plea that seeks restricted access to the crime scene and the installation of CCTV cameras at the hospital.
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The court’s involvement follows the vandalism that took place on Wednesday night when protesters clashed with police and caused significant damage to the hospital’s property. The High Court is scheduled to hear the case again on Wednesday.
In the meantime, law enforcement has made substantial progress, with the arrest count in the vandalism case reaching 24 after five additional arrests were made on Friday. Earlier, 19 people were detained for their involvement in the violence.
CBI Investigation and Arrests
On Wednesday, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) visited R G Kar Medical College and Hospital to initiate its probe into the doctor’s rape and murder. The CBI has already summoned five doctors for questioning in connection with the case.
ALSO READ: UP nurse dragged into bushes, raped and killed while returning from work
The investigation has also revealed that the wife of the prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, had filed a complaint against him at the Kalighat police station, alleging domestic violence.
In parallel, the Kolkata police have been active in detaining those involved in the violent protests, with 24 individuals taken into custody following the night of unrest and vandalism at the hospital.
As the investigation continues, the situation remains tense, with political tensions high and public demand for justice growing louder. The developments in this case will be closely watched, especially as the court proceedings continue next week.
