Kolkata. West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose has termed the alleged rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata as the “most shameful moment” for society. He claimed that West Bengal is “in a state of turmoil” and people have “lost faith in the current government.” Referring to a recent rally organised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanding justice for the deceased doctor, Bose questioned her stand and alleged that her comments were mere rhetoric.
In an interview with PTI-Bhasha, Bose said, “There is a state of turmoil in Bengal. Students have lost faith in the government, the youth are scared and women are in a state of despair. There is a feeling that the government, which is responsible for the safety of citizens, is failing to play its role.” A postgraduate trainee female doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The police arrested a civilian volunteer, who was a frequent visitor to the hospital, in the case the next day.
Health services in government hospitals across West Bengal have been badly affected as junior doctors have gone on strike to protest the incident. The protesting doctors are demanding justice for the victim as well as ensuring better safety measures at the workplace.
Bose said, “Students have also lost faith in the police. A sense of frustration is growing among the youth, especially women doctors and paramedical workers. As far as citizens are concerned, they are all distressed that the government does not take action when action is demanded.” The governor alleged that the Kolkata Police has been “criminalised and politicised”. He expressed concern over “government actions allegedly not being in sync with the needs of citizens”.
Bose said, “There is a lack of clarity about the Chief Minister’s stance. There was a rally in which the Health Minister complained to the Home Minister about the lack of security in the premises. When no action was taken, the Home Minister complained to the Chief Minister.” He said, “People are not stupid. They know that the Health Minister is also the Home Minister and the Chief Minister. The situation resembles the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – everyone knows who is who. It is ridiculous for the Chief Minister of Bengal to hold a rally claiming that she wants justice.” The story of Jekyll and Hyde is used to describe someone who has two aspects of his personality, one good and one bad. That person is sometimes good and civilized and sometimes bad and uncivilized.
Bose criticised the government’s handling of the situation. He compared it to the historical context of “the rule of Nero during the mass uprising in Rome” and alleged that the government was “failing” to protect its people. Describing the current situation as a matter of “national shame”, the governor said, “This is the most shameful moment for Bengal society, the most disturbing moment for humanity.” Bose also criticised the chief minister’s offer of Rs 10 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased doctor. He termed it “extremely inappropriate” and said that he “lacks understanding and sensitivity.”
The governor described the compensation offer as an attempt to “make up for the loss of a precious life with money”. “It is indeed inhuman to put a price on the precious life of a young doctor. The chief minister should know that no one can be silenced with money,” she said. In her public address on August 14, Mamata had said, “The victim is no more with us. I had asked her parents if they wanted to do something in the name of their daughter, and I would have provided financial help in this regard. Yes, we are ready to give Rs 10 lakh to the family.” Regarding the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on the night of August 14, Bose questioned whether it was aimed at diverting attention from the doctor’s murder. She described the situation as “a failure of democracy by mobocracy”.
Asked if he was considering recommending imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal in view of the “deteriorating” situation in the state, Bose indicated that he would write to the President and the Union Home Minister on the issue. “Whatever I do as governor will be very appropriate. What I want to do, I will not let it become public,” he said. Bose also expressed his intention to meet the parents of the deceased doctor. But he said that he would do so only when the parents of the deceased doctor were emotionally ready for it. The governor said, “I will meet them when they are mentally ready for it. I respect the feelings of the parents who lost their beloved daughter. I will give them enough time.”