The RG Kar rape and murder case has returned to the political spotlight after BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim, sharply criticised former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna.
Debnath’s statement — “I lost my daughter, she lost her chair” — has triggered fresh political controversy in Bengal. The development comes days after the Calcutta High Court ordered a three-member CBI Special Investigation Team to probe events surrounding the RG Kar case, including allegations of evidence tampering and institutional cover-up.
The case, involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in 2024, had sparked nationwide outrage and protests by doctors across India. The victim’s mother, who joined the BJP and contested elections, has consistently demanded justice and transparency in the investigation.
During the meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Debnath expressed her dissatisfaction with the previous government’s handling of the case. She accused the Trinamool Congress of shielding the accused and trying to bury the truth. Her comment about Mamata Banerjee losing her chair refers to the TMC’s defeat in the recent assembly elections, which ended Banerjee’s long tenure as chief minister.
The Calcutta High Court’s intervention has added a new dimension to the case. The court ordered a CBI SIT to investigate not only the original crime but also the subsequent handling of the case, including alleged destruction of evidence and pressure on witnesses. The SIT has been given a deadline to submit its report.
Political reactions have been swift. The TMC dismissed Debnath’s remarks as politically motivated and accused the BJP of exploiting a tragedy for electoral gain. Meanwhile, the BJP has rallied behind Debnath, calling her a symbol of courage and demanding a thorough probe. The case continues to evoke strong emotions in West Bengal, with activists and doctors’ associations calling for justice.
