Kolkata: Police commissioner Vineet Goyal pins stake on 'malicious media campaign'

New Delhi: Calcutta Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal expressed deep frustration on Thursday over the erosion of public trust caused by rumors and a targeted media campaign. His comments came as police officers clashed with angry mobs at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, following the rape and murder of a young doctor that has ignited widespread protests.

Commissioner defends police actions

Amid the escalating violence, Commissioner Goyal firmly defended the police's handling of the case, which has seen thousands take to the streets demanding justice. "We have never said only one person is involved," Goyal emphasised. "We have not shielded anybody."

#WATCH | Kolkata Police Commissioner, Vineet Goyal says, "...What has happened here is because of the wrong media campaign, which has been a malicious media campaign which is going as far as Kolkata police is concerned. What has the Kolkata police not done? It has done everything… https://t.co/UNpmrdVm9l pic.twitter.com/pgt1gFNnsQ

— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2024

Media making false claims

Goyal highlighted the challenges posed by rampant rumors, specifically addressing false claims about the involvement of an individual with political connections. "Rumors have been spread about a Mahapatra being connected to a political Mahapatra," he explained. "The police have verified that the intern concerned comes from an ordinary family with no political connections."

Rumours have been spread

The Commissioner repeatedly stressed the detrimental impact of misinformation, noting that various falsehoods—such as claims of broken bones and destroyed evidence—are not substantiated by scientific evidence. "Rumors have been spread," he reiterated. "That bones were broken, this was done, that was done. Unfortunately, that is not supported by the scientific evidence."

#WATCH | West Bengal | Police disperse the mob from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where a scuffle led to vandalism of the protesting site, vehicles and public property

A protest was being held by the doctors in the campus of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital against the… pic.twitter.com/s64PXztADs

— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2024

'We are a responsible force'

In a resolute statement, Goyal underscored the integrity and responsibility of the police force. "We are a responsible force," he declared. Addressing allegations of evidence tampering, he stated emphatically, "What evidence has been destroyed? You can't destroy evidence just like that."

The Calcutta Police Commissioner’s statements aim to restore trust and clarify misconceptions amidst a highly charged atmosphere, as the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of a heinous crime.