Rahul Gandhi
In the wake of the shocking rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at Calcutta's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has voiced grave concerns about the handling of the case. Gandhi said, "The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration." He asked, "Why are even the strict laws made after the Nirbhaya case unsuccessful in preventing such crimes?"
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called upon the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamul Congress (TMC) government to take decisive measures in the wake of the tragedy. Priyanka said, "I appeal to the state government to take immediate and strict action in this case and ensure justice to the victim's family and fellow doctors. Safety of women at workplace is a big issue in the country and concrete efforts are needed for this."
Mahua Moitra
TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra has expressed profound shock over the crime at RG Kar Medical College. "No one to be spared, investigation must be quick & transparent. Thoughts, prayers & solidarity," Moitra said.
Suvendu Adhikari
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called for the resignation of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of failing to ensure the safety and security of women doctors in state-run hospitals. "We will pray to the Calcutta High Court to issue summons to Calcutta Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and former principal and superintendent of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and bring them under the ambit of investigation," the Nandigram MLA said.
J.P. Nadda
BJP President J.P. Nadda has welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Nadda criticised the West Bengal government for allegedly attempting to cover up the incident. "All this is happening despite the state having a woman chief minister," he said attacking Mamata Banerjee.
Priyanka Chaturvedi
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has called for the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure that not only the accused but also those who attempted to cover up the crime are held accountable. Chaturvedi said, "Nothing short of death penalty should be the case made by CBI. How many more Nirbhayas before women’s safety will be prioritised by states and centre?"
Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati said "This is a very important national issue related to the safety and respect of women working in government, non-government or any other field of life, about which everyone needs to be aware and cautious, so that very sad and shameful incidents like the lady doctor of Bengal do not happen." She called for heightened awareness and preventive measures to avoid such heinous incidents in the future.
Richa Chadha
Actor Richa Chadha has demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the case, urging Mamata Banerjee to ensure swift justice. "We live in a country where victim blaming takes precedence over punishing the rapist. Hold all molestors, assaulters, rapists accountable," Chadha said.
Swara Bhasker
Actor Swara Bhasker has expressed dismay at the attempts by police and hospital authorities to dismiss the case as a suicide and hasten the cremation of the victim’s body. "Each detail that emerges from the Calcutta horror is more and more devastating! To prevent such heinous incidents from happening across the country, it is very important for the Central and State governments to make appropriate sensitive arrangements at every level as well as take strict and prompt action against the culprits," Bhasker said.
Swastika Mukherjee
Actor Swastika Mukherjee has demanded extreme punishment for the accused, lamenting the lack of safety for women even in secure environments like hospitals. "A woman is not even safe in a hospital, where will they go?" asked Mukherjee.