'16 days have passed, where is justice': Mamata questions CBI probe on Kolkata rape-murder case

Digital Desk: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over the progress of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) probe into the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Speaking at a public event on Wednesday to mark the foundation day of the Trinamool Congress's students' wing, Banerjee expressed frustration with the pace of the investigation, asking, “Where is justice?” She pointed out that it has been 16 days since the CBI took over the case.

Banerjee criticized the delay, suggesting that the CBI is not interested in delivering justice swiftly. “I asked for five days, but the case was sent to the CBI. They don't want justice. They want a delay. It has been 16 days, where is justice?” she said.

Reaffirming her government's zero-tolerance policy towards incidents of rape, Banerjee announced plans to amend existing laws in the state assembly to ensure capital punishment for convicted rapists. She also warned of a possible protest outside Raj Bhavan if the governor delays approval of the amended bill.

In addition, Banerjee urged striking junior doctors, who have been on strike for 20 days, to return to work immediately. Criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for calling a 12-hour bandh, she accused them of trying to gain political mileage from the doctor’s death. Banerjee alleged that the BJP is attempting to exploit public emotions and derail the investigation for political gains.