The father of the RG Kar rape-murder victim has alleged that his wife was denied admission to a private hospital due to pressure from the state government. This occurred a day after she sustained injuries during a protest march in Kolkata. The march, held on Saturday, marked the one-year anniversary of their daughter's rape and murder at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
According to the father, his wife suffered injuries to her forehead, hands, and back during an alleged "police lathicharge" on Saturday. She underwent a CT scan and other diagnostic tests to assess the extent of her injuries. The father stated that the doctor initially indicated his wife would be admitted for treatment. However, after the doctor left, the hospital's attitude changed, and they ultimately refused admission, citing pressure from the state government. He added that the doctor later assured him that the prescribed medication would suffice, despite initially suggesting a two-day hospital stay. The mother was eventually discharged on Sunday afternoon after an overnight stay.
The mother accused female police officers of physically assaulting her during Saturday's rally to the West Bengal state secretariat 'Nabanna'. She claimed that police pinned her to the ground, broke her traditional conch shell bangle ('shankha'), and caused a forehead injury. She alleged that four to five police personnel assaulted her in the scuffle. However, police have denied using any force against the victim's parents.
The father further alleged that police tried to prevent the family from participating in the protest march, despite a court order permitting a peaceful rally. He also stated that the Rapid Action Force assaulted his wife with sticks and pushed him in the chest during the scuffle, further alleging that the police probably had orders from seniors to stop the rally. He added, "The ruling party tried to fob us off with money, but could not; we don't have children that they will give jobs to, so they are assaulting us. The fight will go on".
Hospital sources indicated that a CT scan revealed no internal injuries to the mother. They acknowledged some back injuries due to the scuffle and confirmed that antibiotics were administered.
BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar stated that he felt there was some pressure from the state government. He said that if a second opinion was required, they would take her to a central hospital, but right now she is stable. He added that she told him that she will not wear 'shankha' until she gets justice.
The mother of the victim said that she had never thought “this could happen". “I never thought this could happen. I just want justice for my child. I am stable, though my head hurts. I have been kept under observation,” she told The Indian Express.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, along with other BJP leaders, visited the hospital to meet the doctor's parents. Adhikari stated that the mother's injuries were quite serious. He also claimed that about 100 people sustained injuries in the attack and 18 had to be hospitalized.
