West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja Responds to Allegations in Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 5: West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja addressed allegations that Kolkata Police offered money to the victim’s family in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case. She urged the opposition not to play ‘vulture politics’ over the tragedy.

Press Conference Highlights

On Thursday, TMC leaders, including West Bengal Minister Bratya Basu, Jay Prakash Majumdar, and Shashi Panja, held a joint press conference. Panja questioned why protesters gathered at the Nabanna Bhavan but not at the CGO complex, where the CBI is investigating the case.

Panja stated, “The opposition has challenged the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024’ and questioned if the Governor will sign it. Their aim is not justice for the victim but to do politics over it.”

CBI Investigation and Fake Videos

Panja mentioned that the CBI has been investigating since August 13, and many political parties have involved themselves in the case. She highlighted the circulation of fake videos, including one where the victim’s parents called the video fake. Panja demanded a speedy investigation from the CBI.

She added, “There should not be politics over rape. A lot of allegations have been spread on the post-mortem report. On August 22, the Chief Justice said that the post-mortem report is already with him and he was not interested in what was circulating on social media. These fake videos are an injustice towards the victim.”

Family’s Allegations Against Kolkata Police

The victim’s family accused Kolkata Police of offering them money while they were mourning. The victim’s aunt said, “When the body of the daughter was lying in front of the parents in the house, the police were offering money, is this the humanity of the police?”

She also accused the police of being inactive after the last rites were performed, despite being heavily present before the rituals.