National, March 26: Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, has entered electoral politics, contesting the Panihati Assembly seat as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She said her decision is driven by a broader fight for people’s rights and women’s safety, while vowing to pursue justice for her daughter.
Addressing reporters, Debnath described her candidature as a reflection of public sentiment, asserting that the outcome of the election should represent the will of the people rather than personal ambition. She maintained that the people of Panihati would be the real winners, and accused the state government of failing to protect basic rights, including access to education and healthcare. Emphasising her focus on women’s safety, she called for equal rights and stronger safeguards for all citizens. Referring to her daughter’s death, she noted that the incident occurred while on duty and alleged that similar cases have continued since then.
Launching her campaign, Debnath appealed directly to voters for support, stating that she has nothing to gain personally and would depend entirely on public backing. She urged the electorate to stand by her as she begins her political journey.
She also called on voters to give the Bharatiya Janata Party an opportunity in the state, arguing that the electorate has already experienced over a decade of the current government’s rule. Maintaining that justice for her daughter remains central to her campaign, Debnath asserted that she would pursue the case relentlessly, while alleging that evidence had been removed under the direction of the Chief Minister.
The state is scheduled to go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes set for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India.
The RG Kar Medical College case, which occurred on August 9, 2024, involved the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor whose body was found in a seminar room at the Kolkata hospital. The incident sparked nationwide protests and demands for accountability. Following observations by the Calcutta High Court over the initial investigation, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which has since made multiple arrests.
