AIDWA strongly condemns the spate of atrocities against women in W. Bengal, that indicate the complete breakdown of law and order in the state under the TMC Government. The recent heinous rape and murder of 20 year old Shipra Ghosh, in Barasat North 24 Parganas, as also the rape and murder of a 14 year old girl in Gede, Nadia district, have caused deep consternation among the common people.
On 7th June, 2013, Shipra had left home to appear for her BA 2nd year final exam. Daughter of a mason, a daily wage labourer, she had still been encouraged to go on with her studies by her parents. She had left her bicycle at home and was walking back briskly. She was caught by a group of drunken men, dragged to a deserted building site, gang-raped and murdered after which her body was thrown into a water-body at Kamduni, near Kirtipur in Barasat. The main accused in the case is known to belong to the TMC.
Barasat in North 24 Parganas has become notorious for such incidents with hardened criminals preening themselves in broad daylight. Police administration is unmoved by complaints. All that the local MLA, also a minister, could do was to offer a job to the girls' brother. He had to retreat before the wrath of the people.
The lack of safety for women and girls under Ms. Mamta’s regime is shocking. Though the CM also holds the Home portfolio, not one word has been uttered by her with regard to this case. There is an utter lack of sensitivity and accountability, on the part of the TMC Government, which has to be strongly opposed. Activists who raise their voice are being placed under arrest, instead of the Government coming forward to address their concerns. AIDWA condemns this authoritarian violation of basic democratic norms.
The women’s organizations in W. Bengal, including AIDWA, have been protesting against the spate of atrocities, demanding justice and speedy punishment of the culprits. Hundreds of women under the banner of these organisations marched through the streets of Kolkata to meet the Governor, West Bengal today. They demanded immediate exemplary punishment to the accused in the Barsat Rape Case and all repeated rape cases happening everyday in West Bengal. They pointed out that the state had recorded the highest rate of crime against women according to NCRB data for 2012. AIDWA supports the demands submitted to the W. Bengal governor by a joint delegation on June 13th 2013, at the culmination of the mass rally. The representatives also highlighted that threats were being issued in the villages of Bengal so that none can file nominations in the Panchayet polls. The democratic rights of candidates, especially women, to stand for elections in the ongoing local body pollss are being thwarted by unleashing violence against them. AIDWA demands immediate action as follows:
- Increased patrolling and deployment of police all over the state, Barasat in particular, to improve infrastructure to make it safer for women.
- Fast track courts for all rape cases and one to be set up immediately to investigate Shipra’s rape and murder.
- Increased sensitization and effective impartial investigation and accountability of police in dealing with heinous crimes against women.
- Prompt and effective role of the police and state administration to ensure free and fair Panchayat elections.
- Panchayat Elections to be held under the aegis of adequate and effective security personnel.
