-Aditya Amitabh Trivedii (State Head, UP)
The recent rape and murder of a young woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has once again exposed the alarming state of women’s safety in West Bengal. This horrifying incident is not an isolated case but rather part of a disturbing pattern of violence against women under Mamata Banerjee’s administration. Despite being in power for over a decade, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has failed to create a secure environment for women, leading to widespread fear and mistrust in the state's ability to protect its citizens.

A Pattern of Violence: The Numbers Speak-

West Bengal has been the scene of several high-profile crimes against women in recent years, reflecting the government’s inability to ensure their safety. The state recorded the highest number of crimes against women in India for several years, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In 2021, West Bengal reported 36,439 cases of crimes against women, making it the worst-performing state in terms of women’s safety. This was not an anomaly but part of a consistent trend. In 2020, the state reported 34,432 cases, and in 2019, it had 30,394 cases, a clear indication of the deteriorating situation under the TMC government.

The infamous 2013 Kamduni gang rape and murder, where a 20-year-old college student was brutally assaulted and killed, shocked the nation and highlighted the inefficiency of the state administration. Despite promises of justice, the delay in the legal process and the government’s initial dismissive attitude further eroded public confidence. In 2019, the Kolkata doctor’s strike over the lack of security in hospitals was another major indicator of the failure of the state to protect its citizens, particularly women.

The RG Kar Medical College Case: A New Low-

The recent case at RG Kar Medical College is a tragic reminder of the continuing threat to women in West Bengal. On August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered within the hospital premises. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested after CCTV footage revealed his involvement. The fact that such a heinous crime could occur within a supposedly secure hospital environment underscores the complete collapse of law and order in the state.

The response from the Mamata Banerjee administration has been woefully inadequate. Instead of focusing on justice, the initial reaction from the government and hospital authorities was marked by attempts to downplay the incident. This echoes the handling of previous cases, where the focus often shifted to protecting the government’s image rather than addressing the core issue of women’s safety. The delay in the investigation, the allegations of a cover-up, and the subsequent violence during the protests against this crime reflect a state government more interested in damage control than justice.

Protests and Public Outrage-

Public anger over the incident has been widespread, with protests erupting across Kolkata and other parts of India. The “Reclaim the Night” protests, where women took to the streets on the night of August 14-15, were met with police brutality, including the use of tear gas and batons. The state's violent crackdown on these protests has only added to the public outrage, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum and from civil society.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) even called for a nationwide strike, reflecting the deep-seated frustration and fear among medical professionals, who feel abandoned by the state government. This strike further highlighted the TMC government’s failure to protect not only women but also the healthcare workers who serve the state’s population.

Mamata Banerjee's Double Role Under Scrutiny-

Mamata Banerjee’s dual role as both Chief Minister and Health Minister of West Bengal places her directly in the spotlight. Her administration’s repeated failures to protect women, combined with the mishandling of high-profile cases like this one, raise serious questions about her leadership. The public is increasingly disillusioned with a government that seems more interested in political expediency than in safeguarding the lives and dignity of its citizens.

Latest Update on the Case-

As of August 18, 2024, the case has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court of India, which has taken suo motu cognizance and is set to hear the matter on August 20. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation amid widespread concerns about the impartiality of the local police. The accused, Sanjay Roy, remains in custody, with more senior officials from RG Kar Medical College under investigation for potential negligence and complicity. Protests continue to gain momentum, with both national and international attention on the case, as demands for justice grow louder.

The RG Kar Medical College case is not just a failure of law enforcement but a failure of governance. The Mamata Banerjee government’s inability to protect women has been laid bare for all to see. Until there is a fundamental shift in how the state approaches women’s safety, these tragedies will continue to haunt West Bengal. The public deserves better, and it is high time that the TMC government takes responsibility for its failures and makes substantial changes to protect its women.