The father of MBBS student from Odisha has apologized to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her a "mother-like figure" just days after likening the state's governance to "Aurangzeb's rule" and vowing to flee back home.Speaking to media channels on Wednesday, the distraught father pleaded for Banerjee's forgiveness: "Mamata Banerjee is like a mother to me. If I've said anything wrong, please forgive me. I'll bow at her feet a thousand times. But I beg her to ensure justice for my daughter."
This comes amid mounting pressure for a fair probe into the horrific incident, where his second-year MBBS daughter was allegedly assaulted on October 10 evening outside her private medical college campus in Durgapur while stepping out with a male friend for food. The father reiterated his demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, noting it "would be ideal" but ultimately rests with the state government. He plans to take his daughter back to Odisha once doctors deem her medically fit, prioritizing her safety over her studies.
On Monday, fueled by anger over Banerjee's controversial advice that "women should not go out at night," he had blasted the Trinamool Congress-led administration, declaring Bengal unsafe and comparing it to the tyrannical Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's era. "Her life first, career later," he had said, expressing fears for her security. Police have arrested six suspects so far, including the victim's friend, in a case that's ignited fierce political storms in West Bengal. Opposition parties have slammed the government for alleged mishandling and insensitivity, amplifying calls for accountability.
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The father's appeal underscores the family's desperation for swift justice, as the victim, hailing from Odisha, recovers in hospital. Banerjee's administration has faced backlash over women's safety issues, with this incident adding fuel to ongoing debates on law and order in the state. As investigations continue under state police, the plea for central intervention hangs in the balance, highlighting tensions between victim families and political leadership in high-profile crimes.
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