BJP's Poonawala Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Cover-Up in Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

BJP's Shahzad Poonawala has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of covering up the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Supreme Court has launched a 10-member task force to address violence against medical professionals and ordered reports from both CBI and state government.

BJP leader Shahzad Poonawala has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging an attempted cover-up in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. According to Poonawala, the state government tried to suppress evidence and protect the perpetrator.

'The Supreme Court's hearing today revealed that Mamata Banerjee's administration was more focused on concealing the truth and saving the rapist rather than delivering justice,' Poonawala said. He claimed the case was initially presented as a suicide, and the victim's family faced significant delays in accessing the body.

Poonawala also alleged delays in the FIR registration and inadequate support for the victim's parents. 'The state promoted the principal and carried out construction work to erase evidence while local police failed to control a mob of 5000 goons at the college,' he added. He questioned whether Banerjee would take responsibility and resign.

The Supreme Court has formed a 10-member National Task Force to recommend measures for preventing violence and ensuring safe working conditions for medical professionals, featuring prominent figures such as Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin.

In response to nationwide protests following the incident, the apex court has instructed the task force to submit a preliminary report within three weeks and a comprehensive report in two months. The court also demanded updates from the CBI on the investigation and the West Bengal government on the mob attack at RG Kar hospital on August 15.

The rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College have triggered widespread strikes, with civil societies and doctors across India demanding severe punishment for the accused and enhanced safety measures for medical professionals.