FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW CM Adhikari orders fresh probe into RG Kar case on 2nd death anniversary STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 9 August C hief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday ordered a fresh investigation into the RG Kar case following a request from Ratna Debnath, the mother of the young doctor whose death at the state-run hospital in August 2024 triggered widespread protests across the country. Mr Adhikari, speaking at a programme in Panihati to mark the second anniversary of the incident, said he had accepted Ms Debnath’s plea for a reinvestigation. He also directed the Barrackpore Commissioner of Police to examine what had Members of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front take part in a protest rally demanding justice for the victim of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder caseon Sunday. BISWAJIT GHOSHAL happened at the crematorium when the doctor’s body was taken there for the last rites. Ms Debnath had alleged that Nirmal Ghosh, Sandip Ghosh and Sanjay Mukherjee were involved in hastily arranging the cremation and demanded that the circumstances surrounding the disposal of the body be examined afresh. “Two years ago, on this day, when we remember what happened, we become disturbed and our hearts ache. Tears come to our eyes. No one could have imagined that such a barbaric incident could take place in a civilised society and in a supposedly secure place in India,” Mr Adhikari said. He also recalled the protests that followed the death and alleged police excesses against those who had participated in demonstrations demanding justice. Referring to the protest march towards Nabanna in 2025, Mr Adhikari said the mother of the deceased doctor had been subjected to police excesses. He alleged that she was not allowed to be admitted to hospital and was left in an emergency department. “I do not forget. I am doing whatever needs to be done and will continue to do so. I must see this through to its end,” he said. Mr Adhikari also referred to the two-minute silence observed at government healthcare institutions across the state on Sunday morning to mark the second anniversary of the doctor’s death. The silence was observed from 11 a.m. to 11.02 a.m, following instructions from the state health department. The Chief Minister also asserted that there would be no political, religious or communal considerations while dealing with crimes of such gravity. “In such cases, we will not think about politics, religion or community. There will be no nepotism, no weakness and no consideration of personal relationships. Whatever strict punishment can be given, it will be given,” he said. Mr Adhikari also referred to the recent encounter in Baruipur while stressing his government's approach towards criminal cases. The young doctor’s lifeless body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August 2024. Police subsequently arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy in connection with the case. Following an order of the Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation. A court later sentenced Roy to life imprisonment. However, the CBI has not arrested any other accused in connection with the alleged wider conspiracy. The victim’s parents have maintained that several others were involved and have repeatedly questioned the investigation. The role of the investigating agency has also come under scrutiny during proceedings before the Calcutta High Court. | SILIGURI | Monday, 10 August 2026 Mamata faces protest during visit to kin of custodial death victim STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 9 August Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee faced angry protests and an alleged attack on her convoy during her visit to Halishahar on Sunday to meet the family of Birju Kumar Keot, a Trinamul Congress worker who died in police custody. The incident took place as Miss Banerjee was travelling to the residence of Keot’s family in Kanchrapara. Protesters allegedly threw water, mud and shoes at her vehicle and raised slogans accusing her of being a “thief” and “robber queen”. Police had to surround the former chief minister’s vehicle as it passed through the Bijpur area. Despite the protests, Miss Banerjee met Keot’s wife and other family members. She strongly condemned the incident and alleged that BJP supporters were behind the attack. “We strongly condemn this. BJP supporters have thrown bricks and damaged the vehicle. Bengal has gone into the hands of goons,” Miss Banerjee said. She alleged that large bricks had been thrown at her vehicle and claimed that she could have suffered serious injuries. “I could have suffered a head injury. I could have died here,” she said, while accusing the police of protecting what she described as “lumpen elements”. Miss Banerjee also criticised the state government and targeted chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, who also holds the police portfolio, over the custodial death. She demanded the resignation of the Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Police over the incident. Trinamul Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee, who accompanied her, also condemned the protest. He alleged that there was a “planned conspiracy” to attack Miss Banerjee and said those responsible would face legal action. The BJP, however, rejected the allegations and claimed that Miss Banerjee had gone to Kanchrapara to provoke people. BJP leaders said the protest reflected local anger. The visit came a day after Keot’s death in police custody triggered allegations of custodial assault. Keot, the husband of former Trinamul councillor of Kanchrapara Municipality Jeni Sharma Keot, was arrested by Halishahar police on Friday night on allegations including extortion and involvement in clashes in the area. He was produced before a court on Friday, which remanded him in police custody for five days. According to police, Keot was found lying unwell inside the lock-up in the early hours of Saturday. He was taken to a hospital in Kalyani, where doctors declared him dead. His family, however, alleged that he had been assaulted inside the lock-up.