“Bengal Government must be held accountable…” : Dharmendra Pradhan Demands Action Against Perpetrators of Kolkata PGT Doctor's Rape and Murder, Holds Bengal Govt Accountable

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, criticizing the alleged breakdown of law and order in the state, especially with regards to student safety. Pradhan emphasized that the state government's accountability would be closely examined in the aftermath of heinous rape and murder of a PGT doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, suggesting that the Bengal administration's response to such incidents has been insufficient.

“No matter how strongly we condemn this heinous crime, it won't be enough. The Bengal government must take action against the perpetrators and be held accountable for it”, said the Union Education Minister while speaking about the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday afternoon gave a deadline to Kolkata Police until Sunday to solve the rape and murder case of the PGT doctor, failing which, she will hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. “Police, Dog Squad, Forensic department and other teams are on the job. Investigation has been started to arrest the accused and police are trying to arrest him as early as possible. If the Police are unable to solve this case by Sunday, then we will not keep this case in our hands we will hand it over to CBI,” said the West Bengal Chief Minister after meeting with the family of the victim.

Dr. Sandip Ghosh, Principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, resigned on Monday amidst escalating protests, citing false allegations and defamation. Ghosh denied making victim-blaming remarks, stating, "The girl who died was like my daughter. I am also a parent. As a parent, I am resigning."

Meanwhile, Sanjay Roy, the main accused, was arrested by Kolkata police on Saturday. Roy, a civic volunteer, was seen frequently on campus and allegedly tried to wash his clothes after the attack, but blood was found on his shoe. Three junior doctors and a housekeeping staff member present on the night of the murder have been summoned for questioning.

The victim, a PGT doctor, was found semi-nude in the hospital's seminar hall, with harrowing injuries indicating a brutal attack between 3 am and 6 am. The autopsy report revealed bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as injuries on her face, nail, left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips. The incident has sparked widespread protests and disruptions in hospital services across India, with junior doctors, interns, and postgraduate trainees on an indefinite strike, halting services until a probe is completed. Doctors in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have joined the strike, demanding justice for the victim.