West Bengal CM Promises Capital Punishment for Accused in Trainee Doctor Case

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed on August 28 to seek capital punishment for the accused in the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor. The incident occurred at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.Banerjee stated that if the state government had the authority, they would have ensured the death penalty for the accused within seven days. She announced plans to launch a movement demanding capital punishment and indicated that an anti-rape law would be introduced in the state assembly next week. This proposed law aims to establish death by hanging as the penalty for rape.The prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, was arrested on August 10. DNA and forensic reports confirm his involvement, and the CBI will seek expert analysis from AIIMS. Banerjee also urged protesting doctors to return to work, assuring them of no punitive action.The state government and police have faced criticism amid nationwide protests. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called a 12-hour bandh in response to police actions against demonstrators during a march to the state secretariat, Nabanna, on August 27. The clash resulted in injuries and over 200 arrests.Banerjee criticized the BJP for allegedly using the bandh to undermine West Bengal and disrupt the investigation. The protests were organized by the ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj’ and ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha,’ calling for her resignation over the tragic incident.