RG Kar victim's mother Ratna Debnath: Police salute at Nabanna is 'sign of victory'
Synopsis
Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim and newly elected BJP MLA, says a police salute at Nabanna symbolises a shift in power and a step toward justice — a stark contrast to her alleged assault there in August 2025. Meanwhile, a Calcutta High Court bench has recused itself from the case, with the West Bengal government now weighing a judicial commission.
Key Takeaways
Ratna Debnath , mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, is now a newly elected BJP MLA in West Bengal .
She alleged she was assaulted by police during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' on 9 August 2025 under the previous TMC government.
On her recent visit to Nabanna , police personnel saluted her — which she called a "sign of victory." Justice Rajasekhar Mantha's bench at the Calcutta High Court has recused itself from the case, citing a surplus of pending matters.
The West Bengal government is reportedly considering forming a judicial commission to handle the case.
Debnath said she will consult Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari before deciding on the proposed committee.
The mother of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder victim and newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Ratna Debnath, said on Tuesday that Kolkata Police treating her respectfully at the West Bengal State Secretariat 'Nabanna' was a "sign of victory" in her fight to ensure justice for her daughter. Her remarks came amid fresh legal developments in the case, including a Calcutta High Court bench recusing itself from the matter.
Respect at Nabanna After Earlier Assault Allegation
Debnath, who recently won a legislative assembly seat on a BJP ticket, alleged that she was assaulted by police personnel during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' held on 9 August 2025, under the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal. She contrasted that experience sharply with her most recent visit to the secretariat.
"I was not allowed to reach 'Nabanna' at that time but yesterday when I went there the police personnel saluted me. They even clicked pictures with me and also touched my feet to seek blessings," she said.
She added: "I consider this too as a form of victory. Even amidst so much of sorrow in my life, I felt happy at that moment."
Debnath's Vow to Continue the Fight for Justice
Debnath remained resolute about pursuing accountability in her daughter's case. "I won't leave the battle without ensuring justice," she asserted. She further warned that if the accused in the RG Kar case are not given strict punishment, similar crimes against women will continue across the country. "This is because influential people are involved in this case," she alleged, without naming specific individuals.
She expressed optimism that convictions in the case could serve as a deterrent, potentially reducing crimes against women nationally. Notably, the RG Kar case triggered widespread protests across India in 2024, placing pressure on both state and central authorities to act swiftly.
Calcutta High Court Bench Recuses Itself
In a significant legal development, Justice Rajasekhar Mantha's bench at the Calcutta High Court recused itself from hearing the RG Kar rape and murder case, citing a surplus of pending matters before the court. The bench expressed the opinion that the case warranted a dedicated bench capable of giving it sufficient time.
The West Bengal state government is reportedly considering forming a judicial commission to address the case going forward.
Response to Proposed Judicial Commission
Reacting to the court's decision and the state government's proposal, Debnath said: "A proposal has been made from the Bengal government's side to constitute a commission. We will discuss with the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and take the decision to form a committee."
The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in recent Indian legal history, and all eyes are now on whether the proposed judicial commission will be constituted and whether it can deliver the expedited justice that Debnath and thousands of protesters have demanded.
Point of View
Citing case overload, raises procedural concerns: the RG Kar case has already seen prolonged delays, and routing it through a state-constituted judicial commission could invite questions about independence and speed. The real measure of any 'victory' here is not symbolic respect at a secretariat gate, but a final, credible conviction. That remains undelivered.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ratna Debnath and why is she in the news?
Ratna Debnath is the mother of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder victim and a newly elected BJP MLA in West Bengal. She is in the news after calling police respect shown to her at the Nabanna state secretariat a 'sign of victory' in her fight for justice for her daughter.
What happened at the Nabanna Abhiyan on 9 August 2025?
Ratna Debnath has alleged that she was assaulted by police personnel during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' held on 9 August 2025, when the TMC government was in power in West Bengal. She says she was not allowed to reach the secretariat at that time.
Why did the Calcutta High Court bench recuse itself from the RG Kar case?
Justice Rajasekhar Mantha's bench at the Calcutta High Court recused itself from the RG Kar rape and murder case, citing a surplus of pending cases. The bench opined that the matter should be heard by a bench that can dedicate sufficient time to it.
What is the proposed judicial commission for the RG Kar case?
The West Bengal state government is reportedly considering forming a judicial commission to address the RG Kar case following the Calcutta High Court bench's recusal. Ratna Debnath said she will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari before a decision is taken.
What is Ratna Debnath's demand in the RG Kar case?
Ratna Debnath has repeatedly demanded strict punishment for all accused in her daughter's rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She has alleged that influential people are involved in the case and has vowed not to stop fighting until justice is delivered.
