Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Author Shefali Vaidya (Image: Organiser)
In a troubling development, the Kolkata Police, operating under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, has launched an alarming campaign of intimidation against those speaking out about the gruesome rape and murder of a doctor from the city’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This has sparked concerns about the state’s commitment to free speech and the safety of its citizens.
One of the prominent figures who has come under the radar is Shefali Vaidya, an author and columnist known for her noted views. Vaidya has been critical of the TMC government’s handling of the tragedy, and her vocal stance appears to have drawn the ire of the authorities.
What does the notice say?
In a startling move, the Kolkata Police served her a notice, warning her to delete a specific post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that questioned the government’s response to the incident.
The notice issued by the police reads, “You are hereby directed to delete the above-mentioned post and also refrain from making such acts, failing which you will be liable for strict penal action under relevant provisions of law.” This official communication was accompanied by a warning that Vaidya could face severe legal consequences if she continued to express similar opinions in the future.
What does Vaidya say?
In response to this notice, Vaidya expressed her shock and disappointment. “I got this threatening letter from Kolkata Police for merely asking a few questions and for exercising my right of free speech,” she shared in a post on X.
“This is a clear case of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led state administration silencing the voice of private citizens using the power of Kolkata Police. I am just a private citizen who is so disgusted by what happened to the victim that I decided to speak up. But apparently, Kolkata Police does not like independent voices that speak up,” it read.
The notice, which has since been shared widely on social media, reveals that the Cyber-wing of the Kolkata Police has filed charges against Vaidya under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This legal move has raised eyebrows, as it appears to be a part of a broader strategy to stifle dissent and control the narrative surrounding the tragic incident.
Following the notice, Vaidya consulted with her legal team and ultimately decided to delete the post in question.
However, her decision to comply with the police’s demands was driven by fear rather than agreement with their position. “As a woman and as a mother, I fear for my safety. We all know what Kolkata Police can do, and we all know what happens to women who dare to speak against @mamataofficial in West Bengal. They are either subjected to violence or intimidation like the #SandeshkhaliHorror victims or forced to leave the state like @UnSubtleDesi [OpIndia Editor Nupur Sharma],” she stated.
In her concluding remarks, Vaidya conveyed a sense of resignation and frustration. “I am just an ordinary citizen trying to do the right thing. I am not a member of any political party, nor do I have an organisation to back me up. And I don’t have the wherewithal or the energy to fight the intimidation tactics of a state administration where the police act like the collection agents of a regime. So yes, I will delete the post as Kolkata Police asked me to do as advised by my lawyer. I am doing so not because I think I was wrong in asking questions, but after what happened to #moumitadebnath, I fear for my safety and for my life. You won, Kolkata Police, in silencing the voice of a common citizen. Congratulations. Huge achievement. Now if only you guys showed the same zeal in protecting the women of West Bengal, #moumitadebnath would STILL BE ALIVE!”
This incident has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with many expressing solidarity with Vaidya and condemning the police’s actions as an attack on free speech. The situation underscores the growing tensions between the state administration and its critics, raising critical questions about the safety of those who dare to speak out in West Bengal.
Kolkata doctor rape case
The case that has sent shockwaves across India involves the horrific rape and murder of a female doctor, a postgraduate student at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, has led to widespread outrage, raising serious concerns about the safety of women in West Bengal.
The young doctor, pursuing her postgraduation at one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the state, was allegedly raped and murdered by a now-arrested suspect. The crime has not only shaken the medical community but has also drawn sharp criticism of the state government’s handling of the case. Allegations of evidence tampering and delays in the investigation led to an uproar, with many calling for a more transparent and thorough probe.
In light of the growing public outcry and concerns about the investigation’s integrity, the Kolkata High Court intervened, transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move was seen as a necessary step to ensure justice, given the seriousness of the allegations against the local authorities.
Mamata downplays the crime
West Bengal Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader Mamata Banerjee, however, attempted to downplay the situation. In a speech delivered at a rally in Kolkata on August 14, she accused her political opponents of trying to exploit the tragedy for political gain.
“There is a coordinated effort between the Ram and the Baam (hinting at the BJP and the CPI-M) to exploit the situation created due to this case. Several heinous crimes took place under previous governments in this state. We also saw what happened in the Hathras rape case in the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. Such crimes take place in Congress-ruled states as well,” Banerjee stated.
She further claimed, “But nobody talks about them. They want to politicise this incident and create a Bangladesh-like situation here.”
Which post triggered Kolkata police?
Referring to the proceedings in the Calcutta High Court, Vaidya highlighted a significant concern: the role of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, who, when he was the Inspector General of CID, had been the investigating officer in the Kamduni rape and murder case—a case that many believe was mishandled. Vaidya questioned whether the staff at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital would also face threats or arrests by the Kolkata Police for exposing administrative negligence and alleged attempts to cover up the case.
The sequence of events leading to this tragic outcome began on the night of August 8, when the trainee doctor, after dining with her juniors, chose to rest in the seminar hall due to the lack of adequate resting facilities in the hospital. Believing it to be a safe space, she lay down to sleep. However, the next morning, her partially unclothed body was discovered in the seminar hall, a grim testament to the violence she had endured.
Grieving family of rape victim
The victim’s father, devastated by the loss, raised serious allegations of rape and accused the hospital administration of delaying the investigation. In response, postgraduate doctors across the hospital ceased work in all departments, except for emergency services, demanding immediate action and the arrest of those responsible. The incident sparked protests from student groups and drew attention from opposition leaders, including Bengal BJP legislators, who called for an independent inquiry led by a magistrate.
Case transferred to CBI
The Kolkata High Court’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI was seen as a critical step towards ensuring a fair and impartial investigation. A specialised CBI team, including forensic and medical experts, arrived in Kolkata to begin their probe into the alleged rape and murder. The city witnessed a surge in protests, with demonstrators forcibly entering RG Kar Medical College, leading to clashes with the police. Law enforcement resorted to lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The initial autopsy report confirmed that the victim had been sexually assaulted before her murder, ruling out any possibility of suicide. The report revealed multiple injuries, including broken bones and severe bleeding, suggesting a violent struggle. It also indicated that the victim’s nose and mouth were forcibly covered, and her head was pressed against a surface to stifle her cries. The crime is believed to have occurred between 3 am and 6 am, with signs of strangulation and smothering clearly evident.
Medical experts who reviewed the autopsy report suggested that more than one assailant might have been involved. Dr Subarna Goswami, speaking to India Today TV, noted the severity of the injuries and suggested that the possibility of gang rape could not be ruled out. The autopsy revealed the presence of 151 mg of semen in the vaginal swab, which, according to Dr. Goswami, was indicative of multiple attackers.
As the investigation continues, the public’s demand for justice remains strong, with many calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible for this heinous crime. The case has not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of women in West Bengal but has also exposed the challenges faced by those who dare to question the state’s handling of such sensitive issues.
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