Kolkata, 29 April (H.S.): In a poignant blend of personal loss and political resolve, Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case, has stepped into active politics. She is contesting the West Bengal Assembly elections from the Panihati constituency as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Expressing confidence from the outset, Debnath said she believes the people of the area will stand by her in her fight for justice. After casting her vote on Wednesday morning, she reiterated her optimism, stating, “We will win, and this time justice will be delivered.”

Around a year and a half ago, the alleged rape and murder of a young woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital had sparked massive outrage across West Bengal, with protests drawing widespread national and international attention. A court later sentenced the convict, Sanjay Roy, to life imprisonment. However, the victim’s parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.

In their pursuit of justice, they had also sought to approach the Prime Minister but were unable to secure a meeting. Over time, the case took on political overtones, prompting Ratna Debnath to enter the electoral arena as a BJP candidate.

Since her nomination, Debnath has projected confidence, asserting that voters will side with her cause. On Wednesday morning, she arrived at the polling station and cast her vote. Her attire also drew attention—a white saree with a black border carrying the message, “My spine is not for sale.”

After voting, she said, “We will win, we will get justice, and people will vote for us.” The victim’s father added, “It is deeply painful that we have to take this path for justice for our daughter, but we are confident of winning.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey