India: Kolkata Police arrest girl student for ‘life threats’ against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Social media movement calling for an unbiased probe and stringent punishment for the accused in the Kolkatadoctor rape-murder case has gained momentum. Amid this, Kolkata Police have allegedly detained a student for sharing a provocative post on social media, targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The accused, Kirti Sharma, is a B.Com second-year student. She posted the provocative message, encouraging others to assassinate Banerjee as an Instagram story on her account "kirtisocial."

TMC leader Sagarika Ghose shared a screenshot of the post on social media platform X, “Wo thoda sa Indira Gandhi jaise Mamata Banerjee ko bhi koi uda deta toh...”

"Dear @DCCyberKP please check this account on Insta named Kirti Social. It reads like a death threat to @MamataOfficial @KolkataPolice," Ghose posted along with the screenshot.

Dear @DCCyberKP please check this account on Insta named Kirti Social. It reads like a death threat to @MamataOfficial 👇🏽@KolkataPolice pic.twitter.com/3zEF0lRKrq — Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) August 17, 2024

"A complaint was received regarding the accused person, having the Instagram ID 'kirtisocial,' who uploaded three Instagram stories related to the recent incident at RG Kar Hospital. The posts disclosed the picture and identity of the victim, which is highly offensive in nature," Kolkata police's official statement read.

"Additionally, the accused shared two stories containing offensive comments and life threats against the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal. These comments are provocative and may create social unrest and promote hatred among communities," it added.

The woman was arrested after a complaint was lodged against her at the Taltala police station. “The accused will be produced before a court,” police said.

On August 9, a post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. The initial autopsy revealed evidence of violent sexual assault.

This incident triggered nationwide protests, with civil societies and doctors across various states demanding strict punishment for those responsible and calling for enhanced safety and security measures.

The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer,was arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with the case,but this action did little to suppress public outrage.

(With inputs from agencies)