Mamata Banerjee Accuses Opposition of Hospital Vandalism

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused opposition parties of inciting vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She defended the students and doctors, claiming outsiders were responsible. The state will assist the CBI in investigating the alleged rape and murder that sparked the protests.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused opposition parties of orchestrating the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, claiming they aimed to incite trouble in the state.

Banerjee clarified she holds neither the students nor the doctors responsible for their protests, attributing the unrest to certain political factions. She urged people to review the video evidence.

Around midnight, about 40 people, posing as protesters, wreaked havoc in the hospital, damaging the emergency department, nursing station, and medicine store, as well as destroying CCTV cameras and a stage for junior doctors' demonstrations.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significant damage: two hospital floors were destroyed, medicines looted, and infrastructure and equipment damaged. Restoring the hospital will require substantial time and money.

Banerjee pointed fingers at political outsiders, specifically the Left and BJP, for the unrest. She assured the state's cooperation with the CBI's investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee that triggered the protests.

Following the Calcutta High Court's order transferring the case from Kolkata Police to the CBI, Banerjee emphasized that all relevant documents have been handed over.

Expressing empathy for the deceased doctor’s family, Banerjee described the crime as a social curse and a national tragedy. She called on striking doctors to return to work, citing patient deaths due to lack of treatment.

Several police officers, including a deputy commissioner, were injured in the attack. However, restraint by the police prevented the situation from worsening.

Commenting on an SUCI (Communist) called strike on Friday, Banerjee stated her government does not support bandhs and urged citizens to keep establishments open.