Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Victims parents allege coercion in police money denial claim

The parents of the junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who was allegedly raped and murdered on August 9, made a startling revelation on Thursday. They claimed they were forced to deny on camera that they were offered money by officials from the Kolkata Police department.

This revelation contradicts a previous statement made just a day earlier when a video, released by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), showed the grieving parents saying that no monetary offer had been made by the police. The TMC accused the opposition of engaging in "vulture politics" over the tragedy.

However, the parents had earlier stated that a senior IPS officer of the Kolkata Police offered them money. “We were told that justice would be delayed if we angered the police. At the time, we didn’t understand the intent behind the video. Perhaps they foresaw that such accusations could emerge and wanted to have a preemptive defense,” the victim’s father explained in a media statement on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the victim’s family accused the police of rushing to cremate the body, even offering money to expedite the process. However, the family clarified that no specific conditions were attached to the offer.
No officials from the Kolkata Police were available for comment on the parents’ latest claims.

Meanwhile, protests against the brutal rape and murder have entered their fifth week. The demonstrations, characterized by large, apolitical, and spontaneous gatherings, have grown significantly. Wednesday evening’s protests surpassed even the large Independence Day demonstrations, with thousands rallying under the National Flag, but without any political party banners. 

The citizens’ movement, fueled by widespread outrage, continues to gain momentum in what is being described as an "unprecedented" and "unpredictable" uprising.