Mamata Banerjee Blames 'Ram' For Kolkata Hospital Violence

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (15 August) blamed opposition parties BJP and CPI (M) for the midnight mob attack at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, saying that "Bam and Ram" joined hands to do this.

Banerjee also said that fake videos are being made using artificial intelligence (AI) and asked the people not to fall for them.

She added that the purported fake videos are being circulated on social media.

Banerjee was addressing the media after attending the Independence Day tea party at Raj Bhawan.

The West Bengal CM clarified that the attack on the hospital on Wednesday night was not carried out by the protesting doctors.

She emphasised that "outsiders and political people" were behind the incident, accusing the Left and the BJP of collaborating to create unrest in the state.

“It was not done by the students (doctors). I don’t blame them. Some outsiders, political people, want to create unrest in Bengal. Bam and Ram (Left and the BJP) joined hands to do this. They had gone there to score brownie points from the protest. They don’t want peace. Those who carried the national flag in the movement were BJP (party workers). Apart from this, DYFI flags were also seen," she said, as reported by Indian Express.

Regarding the use of AI, Banerjee noted that modern technology allows for the manipulation of photos, videos, and audio, which can easily be used to spread misinformation.

“A lot can be done with AI these days. Any face can be placed in any photo or video. Audio can be generated. The same is happening here. I watch a lot of videos. Promoting lies through fake videos has become a business. The police will keep a close eye on them. The Prime Minister also spoke about cyber crime in the NITI Aayog meeting. I agree with him on this," she said.

Banerjee further said that the police were attacked during the incident but maintained restraint.

"One DC was seriously injured. His whole body was covered in blood. Yet, the police did not lose patience and did not beat anyone. A DCP has been admitted to hospital. He fainted. I was awake till 4 am," she said.

In her appeal to the agitating doctors, Banerjee urged them to resume work, stating that all their demands had been met and that the investigation had been handed over to CBI from the police.

“All the demands have been accepted. This investigation is no longer in the hands of the police. There is nothing we can do without help. I have requested in many ways. Doctors are committed to providing services. Some junior doctors and senior doctors are providing services. I thank them.”

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