Bengal Governor flays Mamata Banerjee; compares her behaviour to Jekyll, Hyde amid Kolkata horror
PTC News Desk: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose launched a scathing critique of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday, condemning her response to the ongoing protests following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Bose likened Banerjee’s behavior to that of the literary character Jekyll and Hyde, criticizing her demand for the execution of the accused before completing the trial process.
Bose labeled Banerjee’s call to “hang the person and then continue the trial” as an absurd notion, likening it to the decrees of a Roman emperor. He expressed frustration with the Chief Minister’s dualistic approach, stating, “The Chief Minister is behaving like Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and people know who is what.”
Addressing the police investigation, Bose voiced his discontent with the current police leadership in Kolkata. He revealed that he had previously sent a detailed letter to Banerjee outlining necessary actions and requesting a report under Article 167 of the Constitution. Bose pointed out that over the past five years, he had sent 30 such letters without receiving any responses, which he described as unconstitutional.
Regarding the opposition’s calls for President’s rule in West Bengal, Bose remarked that the Indian Constitution is robust enough to handle such situations. He assured that he was monitoring the developments closely and would provide a comprehensive report to the Government of India if necessary.
On the matter of justice for the victim, Bose noted that the case is already being addressed by the High Court and emphasised that justice will be served. He criticized the police’s handling of the case, suggesting that their inefficiency had led to public skepticism about their effectiveness, saying, “In this particular case, I see a definite failure by the police. People are now doubting who the cop is, and who is the thief.”
In the wake of the incident, resident doctors have continued their indefinite strike to show solidarity with the nationwide protests against the tragic event. The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital’s emergency ward, nursing station, medicine store, and parts of the outpatient department were vandalised by protestors during a midnight demonstration by women across West Bengal, condemning the brutal act.