Kolkata, 29 August (H.S.): Former Panihati MLA and senior Trinamool Congress leader Nirmal Ghosh has triggered a fresh controversy with remarks targeting the parents of the RG Kar victim, whose daughter was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The 78-year-old leader made the remarks while being taken from Khardah to the Barrackpore subdivision court on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh claimed that he had been framed in a completely false and conspiratorial case following the change in political power in the state.

He alleged that the entire process was being driven by the victim's parents' alleged lust for power and arrogance, and accused them of subjecting him to mental harassment through false provocation while disregarding the law and judicial process.

When questioned about allegations related to the hurried cremation of the victim's body, Ghosh denied any involvement. He claimed that he had no connection with the incident and had gone there only as a crematorium volunteer. He maintained that all procedures, from the post-mortem examination to the cremation, were conducted officially by the government and that he had no role in them.

Ghosh further alleged that after the political change on May 4, the victim's parents had lost their mental balance due to arrogance and greed for power.

Ghosh's name surfaced in connection with allegations surrounding the brutal killing of the young doctor and the alleged destruction or suppression of evidence. He was arrested from Puri and has since been pursuing his legal battle.

A total of nine bailable sections have reportedly been invoked against him in connection with allegations including the hurried cremation of the body and attempts to suppress evidence.

During the initial court proceedings, his lawyers had sought bail citing his age and age-related health issues. However, his previous court appearances were marked by strong public anger outside the court premises.

During his previous appearance, people staged strong protests near Khardah Police Station and the court premises. Heavy police security had been deployed in advance to prevent any untoward incident.

When Ghosh was brought out under police escort wearing a helmet, an angry crowd attempted to confront him. Eggs and footwear were thrown at him, while the situation reportedly escalated to attempts to assault him and put a garland of shoes around his neck.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey