"Environment of terror, fear created in West Bengal": Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

Sep 05, 2024

Siliguri (West Bengal) [India], September 5 : Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee, alleging that an environment of terror, fear and violence has been created in West Bengal.
His remarks came amid the growing outrage over the alleged murder and rape of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 in the West Bengal city of Kolkata.
"...In our scriptures, it is written that where women are worshipped, god lives there. Sadly, an environment of terror, fear and violence has been created in West Bengal under the rule of TMC's Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee), where women are not only exploited but also murdered," he told reporters on his way to Sikkim at Bagdogra airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, on Thursday.
He added, "Today, no one, including women, youth, businessmen and common people, is safe in West Bengal... What is the relevance of such a government under the leadership of a woman CM, if the women are not safe here?"
Earlier on Thursday, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose targeted CM Mamata Banerjee-led state government over the incident and said that the law is there but it is not being implemented properly.
Governor Bose also alleged that a portion of the police is criminalised and politicized.
He said, "Parents (of the victim) have told me certain things, which is very, very heartbreaking. They also gave to me in writing that I have taken up with the Home Minister. Within two days, we started seeing action. Their feelings we understand. What they want is also justice. The entire Bengali society seeks justice. Justice will be done. Justice should be done. What I see in Bengal today, especially the administration, is going from wrong to wrong. They should realise two wrongs, even if they are mutually contradictory, will not constitute one right."
He further emphasized that the government has to act and it has to take the people in confidence.
"The wrongdoers should be brought to book. Punishment should be given. People should feel that they can expect justice from the government, now that feeling is not there. This is the condition of Bengal today- the law is there but it is not being implemented properly or certain people are given protective discrimination by law. The police, a portion of the police is criminalised, a portion is corrupt and a portion of it is politicised," the Governor added.
The body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar room of the hospital on August 9. The incident sparked nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after. The CBI also arrested Dr Sandip Ghosh, for alleged financial misconduct at the medical establishment.