West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday slammed political parties for “indulging in cheap politics” over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside the premises of a Kolkata hospital.
“Instead of standing with the (woman’s) family, CPI(M) and BJP are indulging in cheap politics. They think they can do a Bangladesh here. But let me tell you, I am not greedy for power,” Mamata Banerjee said.
She hit back at the critics of her government’s handling of the rape-murder case. Mamata Banerjee said that she monitored the case entire night and spoke to the police commissioner and the woman’s parents as soon as she came to know about the crime. What action did we not take, Mamata Banerjee asked.
“What have we not done? What action did we not take? As soon as I came to know of the incident, I spoke to the police commissioner and spoke to the parents (of the woman),” Mamata Banerjee said.
She said that she told the parents that the rapist would be hanged, adding, “And I stick to it”.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said, “I have been monitoring the case the whole night. I was in touch with cops till the cremation was done. Cops escorted her family, police arrested the killer in 12 hours.”
She lauded the Kolkata Police and said that the investigation was started quickly and first arrest was made within 12 hours.
“Police officials escorted the dead body of the victim, and a thorough investigation like DNA testing, CCTV footage, sample testing – everything was carried out, and within 12 hours, the murderer was arrested,” Mamata Banerjee said.
The case was handed over to the CBI on Tuesday after the Calcutta High Court intervened in the matter.
“For any investigation, you need to give time. I had set a deadline till Sunday. You cannot take action against anyone without proper investigation. I respect both senior and junior doctors. I cannot arrest people without proper investigation,” she added.
Talking about the central agency taking over the probe, Mamata Banerjee said, “We will completely follow High Court’s guidelines and we are cooperating with CBI.”
“Thirty-four people were already summoned by police and more people were on the list but High Court intervened and transferred the case to CBI,” the West Bengal Chief Minister said.
Mamata Banerjee also announced that she would lead a rally on August 17, seeking death penalty for the accused.
“I want the accused to be hanged. I hope the CBI will give justice by next Sunday,” Mamata Banerhee said.