Parimal Dey, a teacher and awardee of the Banga Ratna, has announced his decision to return the prestigious award in protest against the West Bengal government's handling of the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder incident. Dey expressed deep distress over the situation and criticized the administration for its lack of moral integrity and accountability. He stated that returning the award is a gesture of solidarity with the ongoing protests demanding justice for the victim. In a related response, various groups, including the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum and notable cultural figures like dancer Mamata Shankar, have organized protests across the state, calling for swift action against the perpetrators. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into the incident, leading to searches connected to former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh amidst public outcry for justice. Dey plans to return both the award and its cash prize to the North Bengal Festival Committee, emphasizing the need for change in governance and societal values.