In a dramatic escalation of its efforts to control misinformation and public outrage, the Kolkata Police have swung into action, arresting a 23-year-old student and issuing 280 notices to individuals across India. This crackdown is part of a larger investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The student, a second-year B.Com student, faces charges for allegedly posting provocative content about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including threats and offensive remarks. Authorities claim these posts aimed to incite violence and reveal the identity of the victim, intensifying the already charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
The police action extends beyond West Bengal, targeting social media profiles from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. These notices are aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and halting attempts to politicize the tragedy.
The Kolkata Police’s rapid response also includes summoning leaders from both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, as well as medical professionals, who are accused of disseminating false information or breaching the privacy of the victim. The enforcement action underscores a broad and aggressive approach to manage the narrative and prevent further unrest.
Notably, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee and TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy have both been caught in the crossfire, with Roy challenging the police’s notice in court and Chatterjee voicing defiant support for the police’s actions.
As tensions simmer and legal proceedings unfold, the Kolkata Police’s sweeping measures reveal the complex and contentious dynamics surrounding the case and the broader political landscape in West Bengal.
