NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the rape-murder of a doctor in Kolkata has led to an "an atmosphere of insecurity among the doctors' community and women". Breaking his silence on the sensational case with a strong statement that could be seen as an indictment of the Mamata Banerjee govt, Rahul added, "The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration."
A stung Banerjee hit back. "I want to ask Congress... how many incidents have taken place in your states and action have you taken? And under CPM rule (in Bengal), there were a plethora of heinous crimes (and) the then government was silent. Since there was no social media then, people were not aware," NDTV quoted her as saying.
AICC general secretary and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday condemned the incident and urged the West Bengal govt to ensure justice for the victim.
Rahul wondered that "the way the layers of the cruel and inhuman act against the junior doctor are being revealed", how would parents send their daughters for studies if doctors are not safe in a place like a medical college.
"Why are even the strict laws framed after the Nirbhaya case unsuccessful in preventing such crimes? Every party, every section of society will have to hold serious discussions and take concrete steps on the continuously increasing incidents against women - from Hathras to Unnao, and from Kathua to Kolkata," the MP said.