After Additional District and Sessions Judge Sanchita Sarkar, in a historic verdict, announced death penalty for three of the six accused in the rape and murder of a college student in Kamduni, the Trinamool Congress has managed to silence it’s detractors.
The incident took on place June 7, 2013. Jumping into action swiftly, the police arrested the all the accused within 72 hours. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the victim’s family and assured them that the law would take its own course. 30 months later, it seems justice has been delivered.
State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim said, “The state government had full faith in the judicial system and has expressed satisfaction over the judgement.” Party MP Mukul Roy said “It was a great achievement for the administration. Those who had initiated inquiry and later framed the charge-sheet should be lauded.”
It may be recalled that the opposition parties had criticized the Chief Minister and alleged that she was trying to “shield the culprits”, as they belong to a particular community.”
It is alleged that the CPI(M) had indirectly incited the villagers, who blocked the road when Banerjee visited the house of the victim on June 14, 2013, and also shouted slogans against her. Yet, the Chief Minister, along with state Food minister Jyotipriyo Mullick,reached out to family members of the victim. The then BJP President Rahul Sinha had said that Trinamool Congress had links to local anti-social elements and that the accused would come out scot-free.
When contacted, Jyotipriyo Mullick said that one should feel ashamed how the CPI(M) and BJP had incited the villagers. “They had no sympathy for the family of the victim.”
Meanwhile, CPI(M) and BJP leaders, who had lashed out at Banerjee, seemed reticent on the watershed verdict.
When contacted, Rahul Sinha said he was busy in a meeting, while CPI(M) MP Mohammad Salim said he had nothing to say on the issue.