Kolkata/IBNS: Bengali writer-teacher Parimal Dey has said he will return the Banga Ratna Award, an honour conferred on him by the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal in 2019, as a protest against the rape-murder of 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Dey, who is from Alipurduar, told ANI, "It's my conscience call. I feel it's the correct step on my part to return the award. I am supporting the state-wide and nationwide protests against the RG Kar rape-murder."

"I respect Mamata Banerjee at personal level but I am fond of her way of running the administration," he added.

The trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which is located in North Kolkata's Belgachia area on the intervening night of August 8 and 9.

One person, a civic volunteer, has been arrested in connection with the case but protesting students as well as the victim's parents suspect more people are involved in the case.

The rape-murder case, which is now being probed by the CBI, that has triggered massive public outrage across the country and brought the Mamata Banerjee government under scanner over its alleged cover-up.

In a tough question for the West Bengal government, which is represented by advocate Kapil Sibal, the Supreme Court asked why a post-mortem was conducted before a First Information Report.

The state administration has been asked why a FIR was filed on "Unnatural Death" even when the autopsy report claims rape and murder.

In its observation, the top court said, "I have not come across a case like this in my last 30 years, Bengal not following criminal procedure code."