“Party that garlands rapists cannot deliver justice”: Doctors over Abhaya’s mother joining BJP

The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front has responded to the victim’s mother entering electoral politics as a BJP candidate, stating that “justice does not come from politics.” The development comes in the backdrop of the alleged rape and murder of a medical student at RG Kar Medical College, a case that had triggered widespread protests and public outrage. In its statement, the organisation maintained that contesting elections is a personal decision and it would neither support nor oppose it.

However, the doctors raised broader concerns about the role of political parties in delivering justice, asserting that it is unrealistic to expect justice to be ensured through political conditions. The statement pointed out that allegations of crimes against women have surfaced against influential leaders across political spaces, and in many instances, victims and their families have faced pressure. It emphasised that even 19 months after the incident, the case continues to remain in public discourse and is increasingly being politicised.

The organisation also questioned aspects of the investigation conducted by state police and central agencies, reiterating that the protests led by doctors and citizens were a spontaneous expression of public anger demanding accountability and safety for women. It clarified that the movement was not driven by political motives but by the pursuit of justice.

At the same time, the doctors expressed sympathy for the victim’s mother, urging people not to make personal attacks against her on social media. They acknowledged the emotional trauma of losing a child and the difficult circumstances surrounding such decisions. However, the organisation also expressed concern over allegations that protesters acted out of self-interest, asserting that their participation was solely aimed at seeking justice in the case.