Kolkata Doctor Case: Police Arrest 23-Year Old Student For Comments On CM Mamata

A 23-year-old college student named Kirti Sharma was arrested by the Kolkata Police on August 18 for allegedly posting inflammatory comments against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and for revealing the identity of a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Sharma, a second-year B.Com student, was taken into custody at her home in Lake Town after she shared three Instagram stories related to the tragic incident involving the 31-year-old doctor. The police claim that her posts not only disclosed the victim’s identity, which is a criminal offense, but also included “offensive comments” and threats directed at Chief Minister Banerjee. These posts were described as “provocative” and potentially capable of inciting social unrest and promoting communal hatred.

The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint, invoking sections of the Indian Bharat Nyay Sanhita (BNS) that address intentional insults and acts meant to offend a woman’s modesty. Sharma is expected to be presented before a sessions court today.

This arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the Kolkata Police on social media posts concerning the rape and murder case, which has led to significant public outcry and protests from the medical community demanding justice for the victim. Other individuals, including political figures and students, have also faced scrutiny and legal action for similar posts related to the incident.