Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee on Kolkata rape case: 'State governments must act ...'

A Lok Sabha MP from the Diamond Harbour seat, Abhishek Banerjee is largely credited for successfully managing the party’s campaign during the 2014 general elections.

In his long post on X, Trinamool Congress's General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday said  a "lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed" in the alleged rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

"Over the past 10 days, while the nation has been protesting against the #RGKarMedicalcollege incident and demanding justice, 900 RAPES have occurred across different parts of India - DURING THE VERY TIME WHEN PEOPLE WERE ON THE STREETS PROTESTING AGAINST THIS HORRIBLE CRIME. Sadly, a lasting solution still remains largely undiscussed," he stated on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nepehew said with 90 cases of rape reported daily, four every hour and one every 15 miniutes, the urgency for a decisive action is clear.  Abhishek Banerjee is also Lok Sabha MP and the Trinamool Congress' second-in-command after Mamata Banerjee.

"We need strong laws that mandate TRIALS & CONVICTIONS WITHIN 50 days, followed by the severest punishments, not just empty promises. State governments must act and urgently push the Union for a comprehensive anti-rape law that ensures swift and strict justice. Anything less is merely symbolic and tragically ineffective. WAKE UP INDIA," he said.

A rift has reportedly emerged between the CM and her nephew over the transfer of the former principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College, Dr Sandip Ghosh, following protests over the alleged rape and murder in the hospital.

 The Diamond Harbour MP had sought an “encounter” against the accused in one of his first reactions to the R G Kar Hospital case. However, later he was a notable absentee at Mamata’s “protest” march over the case.  Trinamool Congress insiders told Indian Express that Abhishek wanted to clearly convey his unhappiness over how the matter has been handled, from the rapid posting of the removed R G Kar Hospital principal to another hospital, and the failure of the police to stop a mob that attacked doctors sitting in protest over the rape and murder.

Some key leaders of the Trinamool Congress have sought to question the party  in the RG Kar Hospital incident.

Senior Trinamool eader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, raised doubts over the efficacy of the probe by Kolkata Police in the matter and demanded the interrogation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal in the case.

Durga puja committees return govt grant

According to India today, two Durga Puja committees have decided to return the grants given by West Bengal Chief Minister in protest against the gruesome incident.

Members of Shakti Sangh Club and Apanader Durga Puja Committee, both located in Uttarpara in North Kolkata, have announced to return the Rs 85,000 state government grant.