Family of Slain Doctor Criticizes CBI Investigation on Anniversary

The family of Tilottama, a junior doctor murdered in August 2022, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) management of her rape and murder case. On the one-year anniversary of her tragic death at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, her parents returned from a meeting in New Delhi with CBI Director Praveen Sood, voicing their frustrations about the agency’s handling of the investigation.

Upon arriving at Kolkata airport on the evening of October 5, 2023, Tilottama’s father articulated his disappointment, stating, “We had an experience today that showed us how bogus an organization can be, an organization that 140 crore people in this country rely on.” He noted that the CBI Director suggested the possibility of dropping the case, a notion the family firmly opposes. “We didn’t give them this case by choice; we wanted an independent investigative body under court supervision. The court gave us the CBI. Let’s see if the court releases them or if they abandon the case themselves.”

The family has sought answers to crucial questions, such as the identity of the perpetrators, the crime scene location, and the motive behind Tilottama’s murder. “The CBI has no answers to any of our questions,” her father remarked. During their meeting with Director Sood, the family presented a placard featuring their questions on one side and a demand for accountability on the other: “Grow a spine or resign.” Tilottama’s mother recalled that while Sood accepted the placard, he returned it, asserting that the agency indeed had a spine, to which she responded, “We told him he doesn’t.”

Despite attempting to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the family was unable to secure an appointment. They expressed their intent to return to Delhi should Shah agree to meet with them in the future.

In a symbolic act of protest, Tilottama’s mother returned the “Nari Shakti Award” she received from Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. She stated, “I have returned it and said that I will accept it only after my daughter gets justice.” The family also conferred with their Supreme Court lawyer, Karuna Nandy, during their time in the capital.

Protests Planned to Commemorate Tragic Incident

In light of the anniversary of Tilottama’s death on August 9, various groups have organized protests and rallies to demand justice. The *West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF)* has scheduled a torch rally on Friday at 21:00 local time, starting from College Square and concluding at Shyambazar. Following this, a sit-in demonstration is planned at the Shyambazar five-point crossing from midnight until 04:00.

On Saturday, coinciding with Rakhi Purnima, members of the Junior Doctors’ Forum and the Abhaya Mancha will tie rakhis to citizens, symbolizing a commitment to security and protection. In the afternoon, protesting doctors will assemble at Hazra Crossing for a procession towards the Chief Minister’s residence in Kalighat. The *West Bengal Health Doctors’ Forum (WBHDF)* has also organized a gathering at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital at 18:00 on Saturday, with another protest meeting scheduled for the evening of August 14. A “Reclaim the Night” program is also set to take place across Kolkata at midnight.

Family Organizes March for Justice

Tilottama’s parents are spearheading a “Nabanna March” on August 9 to advocate for justice for their daughter. They have reached out to various political parties for support, including a visit to the BJP’s Salt Lake office where they invited state president Samik Bhattacharya to join the march. Tilottama’s father stated they have invited all political parties except the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which he expressed disdain for, saying, “we just hate” them.

In response to the parents’ political engagement, TMC’s state general secretary Kunal Ghosh cautioned against politicizing the situation, stating, “We respect you, but don’t go around to party offices like this.” The parents also extended invitations to the SUCI office, where state secretary Chandidas Bhattacharya expressed support for the WBJDF’s movement. When asked about the involvement of the opposition leader from the BJP, Suvendu Adhikari, Tilottama’s father said, “We want to say, come where the leader of the opposition is not present.”

The family’s determination to pursue justice for Tilottama remains resolute, as they navigate the political landscape in their quest for answers and accountability.