How Mamata Banerjee is the unfortunate victim in the murder-rape case in Kolkata

 Mamata Banerjee is no stranger to irony. Following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor—likely by a gang—it's the Trinamool Congress leader who claims to be the real victim. Despite previously withdrawing general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the West Bengal Chief Minister now demands the agency not only complete the investigation but also execute the accused by Sunday, August 18. True to form, Banerjee, who also serves as the state's home and health minister, has taken to the streets demanding justice for the victim in her own jurisdiction.

How Mamata Banerjee is the unfortunate victim in the murder-rape case in Kolkata

The horrific incident at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has placed Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress in a difficult position, especially as women, a key voter base, are protesting in a manner reminiscent of the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. With public sentiment turning against her, opposition parties are seizing the moment to challenge her. This situation has the potential to become Mamata's own "Singur" moment.

Banerjee has largely herself to blame for this predicament. Her administration mishandled the crucial initial phase of the investigation, attempting to frame the sexual assault as a suicide. Meanwhile, the principal of the hospital, well-connected and initially resigned, was quickly reassigned to a favorable position within hours. The arrested accused also has influential connections.

How does a seasoned politician like Mamata navigate such a tight situation? By shifting the narrative to "victim-saming," a tactic she has employed before, such as when she dismissed the Park Street gangrape case as a "sajano ghotona" (fabricated incident). Now, with the High Court handing the case to the CBI, Banerjee has set a deadline, framing herself as a helpless and wronged Chief Minister in the face of the CBI's encroachment on her authority.

It's worth recalling that it was Mamata who earlier threatened her own Kolkata Police with a CBI investigation if they didn't solve the case quickly—the same CBI she had restricted from operating freely in West Bengal by withdrawing general consent. Questions linger about the transparency of the investigation by Kolkata Police and whether the crime scene has been compromised.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has already pointed out significant shortcomings in the Kolkata Police's handling of the investigation. Now, the responsibility lies with the CBI to identify and prosecute the guilty. However, the CBI, once described as a "caged parrot" by the Supreme Court, has a spotty track record.

With the CBI now under pressure, the familiar political playbook is in motion, as hinted at by Trinamool's Derek O'Brien. Mamata Banerjee has even issued an ultimatum to the CBI, demanding that the accused be executed by August 18. She argues that this isn't difficult in a state where "kangaroo courts" like those run by Trinamool members, such as Tajimul Haque (JCB), are common. If one individual can dispense Taliban-style "justice," why can't the CBI act swiftly?

Meanwhile, the opposition and protesters accuse the Kolkata Police of mishandling the case, leading to around 300 spontaneous protests across West Bengal, mostly led by women. These protests demand not only women's safety but also competent governance free from the influence of Trinamool's political patrons.

So, what can Mamata Banerjee do now? Just follow the political script.

MAMATA BANERJEE IS PROTESTING, BUT AGAINST WHOM?

On August 16, Derek O'Brien made it clear that the CBI now holds all responsibility and must provide daily updates, just as the Kolkata Police were expected to do. "CBI, which is now handling the case, must give daily updates on the investigation. The deadline given by the CM to Kolkata Police to complete the investigation was August 17. The same must apply to CBI," said O'Brien. "CBI taking over the case shouldn't lead to it being quietly buried," he added, reflecting the concern for the victim and women's safety that Trinamool members share with Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata went even further, announcing a rally on Sunday to demand justice for the murdered trainee doctor. But who is she protesting against? The Kolkata Police report directly to Mamata Banerjee, who is also the state's Home Minister.

"What have we not done? What action did we not take? As soon as I came to know of the incident, I spoke to the police commissioner and spoke to the parents (of the woman)," she said.

Indeed, her words seem louder than her actions. And what more could a "helpless" woman do?

Mamata, the street fighter, is already gearing up for Sunday's rally. She even led another protest in Kolkata on Friday, claiming she was demanding justice. Fully aware that she is in the public's and the opposition's crosshairs, she declared, "I am a politician, but I am a humane individual. I have never wronged anyone."

As public anger gradually subsides and people return to their daily lives, Mamata, the ultimate victim, will have followed the script, ultimately painting the CBI, not the rapists, as the villains in this case. Her Trinamool Congress members can then celebrate, declaring, "Khela Hobe to Khela Hoyegeche"—the game is over.