West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media regarding the mob attack on RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last night. She strongly condemned the violence, alleging that it was a premeditated conspiracy orchestrated by the CPI(M) and BJP.
Banerjee revealed that despite multiple requests for the ongoing doctors' strike to end, the situation escalated into violence. "We have requested many times to end the strike," she said. The Chief Minister also claimed to have video evidence showing flags of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of CPI(M), at the scene of the attack.
Praising the restraint shown by the police, Banerjee stated, "It was good that the police did not lose their patience," and reiterated her belief that the incident was a conspiracy by opposition parties to destabilize the state. She also expressed concern over the extensive damage caused to the hospital's infrastructure and the violence against police personnel, whose uniforms were torn and burnt during the clash.
Banerjee emphasized that with the case now in the hands of the CBI, her role is limited. She warned that strikes would not be tolerated in Bengal, stating, "Strikes do not happen in Bengal, Bengal cannot be immobilized, those who strike will do so at their own risk." The Chief Minister assured the public that the police have been instructed to maintain a strict vigil to prevent further violence.