NEW DELHI: West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim on Sunday accused the parents of the RG Kar hospital victim of maligning Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for political motives. His remarks followed similar allegations by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh, who claimed that the parents were being “used” by groups aiming to discredit the Mamata Banerjee government.
Hakim’s comments
Speaking at a Republic Day event, Hakim expressed sympathy for the parents but criticized their statements against the chief minister. “I share the parents’ pain and anguish but targeting the CM without reason is unacceptable. The CM was elected by popular mandate, not by those using the parents as puppets for their agenda,” said Hakim, who also serves as the mayor of Kolkata.
He further alleged that the parents were “mouthing scripted lines” provided by vested interests.
Parents’ allegations
The victim’s parents have publicly accused the Kolkata Police and hospital authorities of attempting to destroy evidence in their daughter’s rape and murder case. They also criticized the CBI for failing to uncover a larger conspiracy behind the crime.
“We believe the CM has utterly failed. We have every right to express our feelings,” the victim’s father said at a meeting organized by the ‘Abhaya Manch’ platform.
Background
The case concerns the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August last year. Her body was found in a seminar hall. On January 20, a trial court sentenced Sanjay Roy, the lone convict, to life imprisonment.
While the victim’s family continues to demand justice and allege systemic failure, ruling party leaders have dismissed their claims as politically motivated.
