‘Feeling helpless now, need guidance’: Parents of R G Kar rape and murder victim write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seek meeting
‘Feeling helpless now, need guidance’: Parents of R G Kar rape and murder victim write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seek meeting
Earlier, the Supreme Court, while hearing the R G Kar case, had directed the CBI to consider the allegations by the parents and to keep them updated on the investigation.
Parents of the junior doctor who was raped and murdered in West Bengal’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking time for an appointment. In an email sent to Shah’s office Tuesday morning, the victim’s father said they are facing “tremendous mental pressure”, and sought Shah’s “insights”, “guidance and help”.
The email (a copy of which is with The Indian Express) stated, “Wish you a very happy and healthy birthday and hope this letter finds you in good health… I am writing to respectfully request an appointment with you at your convenience or at any other location as you may suggest (sic).”
“After that heinous unforeseen incident happened to our daughter, we have been going through tremendous mental pressure and feeling helpless now. Sir, I along with my wife want to meet with you to discuss a few things regarding the situation and pray for your guidance and help,” it continued, “I would be truly grateful for the opportunity to speak with you and gain your insights on the issue, as I believe your experience and guidance would be invaluable.”
The parents of the victim have been part of the state-wide protests after her body was discovered on August 9 at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College. In statements to the media earlier, the victim’s parents had pointed fingers at the administration and police for allegedly trying to “hush” up the incident as suicide and “hurriedly cremating the body”. The victim’s parents also alleged that some officials of the Kolkata police tried to bribe them after the incident.
Earlier, the Supreme Court, while hearing the R G Kar case, had directed the CBI to consider the allegations by the parents and to keep them updated on the investigation.
Dr Tapas Pramanik, who has been CC’ed in the mail sent by the father, told mediapersons, “While meeting the parents of the victim, there was a discussion regarding seeking appointment of union home minister. We are not happy with the progress of the investigation and neither are the parents. Many unanswered questions remain. There is also the need for fast-tracking court proceedings to bring the culprits to justice. The parents are traumatised and there is nothing wrong in meeting the Union Home Minister.”
Apart from taking part in the “Reclaim the Night” initiative, protest rallies, and marches, the parents of the victim have been at the Dharna Manch of junior doctors, demanding security in medical college hospitals. Even on Monday, the parents went to Esplanade to show their solidarity to the protest, while requesting junior doctors to lift their hunger strike.
