Kolkata: Seeking to put at rest apprehensions among the business community after the AMRI fire crackdown, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday told them not to worry but stressed that law will take its own course if a crime is committed.
"My dear businessmen of Bengal need not worry. You please don't worry as even if I murder somebody they will hang me also because a crime is a crime. You cannot compare the criminal activities with business activities. If somebody has committed a crime then law will take its own course," said Banerjee.
"It is not that I am doing something, it is the law of the land which will take its own course. I didn't say anything against anybody and I don't want to say also. Individual issues and industry issue are two different things," Banerjee said while addressing "Bengal Leads 2012" programme here.
A few days ago, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) issued a public statement Monday demanding that "those who are not found guilty and are not responsible for day to day operations" be released immediately.
"This is only fair and will also prevent the spread of any negative sentiments within the domestic investor community and encourage future philanthropic activity under which more hospitals have been established," the statement had said.
However, Banerjee has said that the law would take its own course in the case.
The Dec 9 fire at the south Kolkata AMRI hospital killed 94 patients and staffers, following which six directors of the hospital were arrested, and are currently in judicial custody.
IANS
First Published: Monday, January 09, 2012, 20:30