Mamata Banerjee Vows Death Penalty for Accused in Kolkata Doctor's Murder

Kolkata Police arrested an individual accused of sexually assaulting and murdering a postgraduate trainee doctor, triggering vows from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek the death penalty. The incident has sparked protests across various medical institutions. The accused faces charges of rape and murder and is currently in police custody.

Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested a person for allegedly being involved in the brutal sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at a state-run hospital, prompting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to vow that she will seek the death penalty for the perpetrator.

Her announcement came shortly after the accused, reported as an outsider frequenting the hospital premises, was arrested and later remanded to 14-day police custody. The accused was charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of BNS and was produced before Sealdah court. Banerjee affirmed her commitment to justice, noting that her government would support a CBI probe if demanded by the victim's family.

In response, protests erupted at state-run hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College and National Medical College, with junior doctors demanding heightened security and swift justice. To address these grievances, Banerjee has instructed officials to expedite the trial by moving it to a fast-track court and has established police camps at hospitals to prevent further assaults. The case remains under rigorous investigation as the community mourns the loss and seeks justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)