'CBI making efforts but Mamata ...': Kolkata rape-murder victim's parents express anguish

The heinous act has sparked widespread outrage, triggering nationwide protests by healthcare workers demanding improved security measures.

The parents of the young doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College have expressed deep distrust in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticising the way the state police handled the case.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the father of the deceased doctor mentioned that he initially had full faith in the Chief Minister but has since lost confidence, especially after witnessing the police's investigation. He added that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is at least making an effort in the case.

"Initially, I had complete faith in her (Mamata Banerjee), but now I do not. She claims to be seeking justice, but what actions is she actually taking? She has the authority to address this issue, yet she is doing nothing", said the grieving father.

The father also revealed that he has handed a page from his daughter's diary to the CBI but declined to discuss its contents. He questioned the sincerity of those calling for justice, pointing out that individuals demanding justice publicly are being suppressed, referring to the recent lathicharge on supporters at a football match who raised "We want justice" slogans.

The victim’s mother also spoke out, expressing her disappointment with Mamata Banerjee and alleging that the Chief Minister was attempting to stifle the protests. She criticised the enforcement of prohibitory orders to prevent gatherings of protestors, arguing that it was an effort to quell public outrage.

"Mamata Banerjee said the culprits would be arrested as soon as possible, but only one person has been held. I am sure more people in the hospital are involved. I think the chief minister is trying to stop the protests. That’s why police enforced prohibitory orders today to stop the assembly of protestors," said the mother in an interaction with the media, reported ANI.

The mother recounted the hospital’s initial claim that her daughter had committed suicide, which she strongly disputes, insisting that her daughter was murdered. She described the condition in which she found her daughter's body, detailing the injuries that led her to believe it was not a case of suicide.

"First we got a call from the hospital that your daughter is sick, after which the call was disconnected. Soon after, when I called and asked what happened, they told me to rush to the hospital. When we called again, the (caller) identified himself as 'assistant super' and said your daughter has committed suicide. She went to duty on Thursday, we got this call on Friday at 10:53 am....when we reached there, we were not allowed to see her, we were allowed to see her at 3 o'clock. Her pants were open, there was only one piece of cloth on her body. Her hand was broken, and blood was coming out of her eyes, and mouth. Just by looking at her, it seemed that someone had murdered her", said the mother, expressing her anguish and pain.

The case has drawn widespread attention, leading to the Supreme Court taking suo motu cognizance of the incident. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is set to hear the case on August 20.

The body of the post-graduate trainee doctor was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The Kolkata Police arrested Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, in connection with the case the following day. However, due to dissatisfaction with the initial investigation by the Kolkata Police, the Calcutta High Court directed the CBI to take over the investigation.

The heinous act has sparked widespread outrage, triggering nationwide protests by healthcare workers demanding improved security measures.