West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday issued an apology over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
In a post on microblogging site X, Mamata said that she dedicates Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Foundation to "our sister", whose tragic loss was mourned by everyone.
In Bengali, she further wrote, "And please, our heartfelt condolences to the family of the sister who was brutally tortured to death and seeking speedy justice, as well as to all the women of all ages across India who have been subjected to such inhumane acts."
"Sorry," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.
She further emphasised on the social role that is played by students and the youth. "It is the task of student society to give the dream of a new day by keeping the society and culture awake and to inspire everyone around with the bright vows of a new day. My appeal to all of them today, be encouraged in this effort, stay committed."
"My dear students, stay well, stay healthy, stay committed to a bright future," she added.
Mamata's statement comes a day after the Bharatiya Janata party accused the Bengal CM of protecting those involved in the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the state-run hospital, demanding her resignation to ensure a fair probe in the case.
The BJP called her a "dictator", demanding that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conduct a polygraph test on Mamata and Police Commissioner Vineet Goel, who according to the party had initially said that the victim died by suicide.
"If there is any dictator in the country, then that dictator is Mamata Banerjee... The truth should come out, the investigating agency CBI should do a polygraph test of Mamata Banerjee and the Police Commissioner," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia had said.
Meanwhile, the BJP called for a 12-hour general strike -- Bengal Bandh -- on Wednesday to protest the police action against protesters during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest march the day before.
Later in the day, Mamata said that TMC does not support BJP's bandh and said that while her party has dedicated the day to the Kolkata rape case victim, the BJP has called for a bandh. "They don't want justice, they are only trying to defame Bengal," she said.
Additionally, she said that there is only one punishment for the crime committed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and that is "to hang till death".
She further said that if West Bengal government had power, "we would have ensured capital punishment for accused within 7 days".
"Next week, we will call an Assembly session and pass a Bill within 10 days to ensure capital punishment for rapists. We will send this Bill to the Governor. If he doesn't pass, we will sit outside Raj Bhavan. This Bill must be passed and he cannot evade accountability this time," the CM added.
