A week after the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, protests continue to intensify, with people from all walks of life demanding capital punishment for the accused. Joining the chorus of voices seeking justice, former Indian cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party MP Harbhajan Singh on Sunday urged the public to come together and resist politicizing the tragic incident.
Singh, deeply disturbed by the delay in justice for the victim, shared a letter he wrote to West Bengal Governor and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He appealed for swift and decisive action, emphasizing that the safety and dignity of women are paramount. “The perpetrators of this heinous crime must face the full weight of the law, and the punishment must be exemplary,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside the letter.
In his letter, Singh expressed his anguish over the incident, stating that it had shaken the conscience of the nation. He further called for introspection on the part of the authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He also expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, noting that one suspect had been arrested but many more could be involved.
Singh’s plea for unity was echoed in a statement to ANI. He stated, “What happened to our country’s daughter in Kolkata recently was very wrong, and to get her justice, I think we all should come together and not make it a political issue. The girl should get justice as soon as possible…”
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to work together to enact strict laws against perpetrators of such heinous crimes. “I request Mamata Didi, Governor, PM Narendra Modi, President and all other big leaders of the country that this is the time when we all should come together and make such a law that if any person does such a heinous act in future, then he should keep in mind what will be the consequences…,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, with a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud scheduled to hear the case on August 20th. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), investigating the case, has conducted 3D laser mapping of the Emergency ward at the hospital as part of their investigation.
The mother of the deceased doctor has publicly accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of delaying the probe. She stated, “She (Mamata Banerjee) said that the culprit will be arrested as soon as possible, but nothing has happened so far. One person has been arrested. I am sure many more are involved in this incident. I think the entire department is responsible for the incident… The police did not do a good job at all. I feel that the Chief Minister is trying to stop the protest, today she imposed Section 144 here so that people cannot protest.”
As the nation mourns the loss of the young doctor and demands justice, the case continues to unfold under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court. The pressure on authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation, leading to the punishment of all those involved, is immense.
