Is Bengal No Longer Safe for Women?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal's safety issues for women are alarming.
- The Governor attributes the problem to ongoing societal failures.
- Recent incidents highlight a pattern of sexual violence.
- Law enforcement's effectiveness in the state is under scrutiny.
- Urgent reforms are necessary to enhance women's safety.
Kolkata, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, expressed his concerns on Wednesday regarding the alarming safety issues for women in the state.
His remarks were prompted by a troubling series of sexual offenses against women, notably the incident involving a second-year Dalit medical student at a private college and hospital in Durgapur, located in the West Burdwan district earlier this month.
“The recent incident in Durgapur is not merely an isolated case; it is part of an ongoing pattern of crimes that have been occurring with disturbing frequency. The current situation indicates that West Bengal is no longer a safe place for women and girls— a reflection of a serious societal issue,” he stated.
According to the Governor, the true measure of a society's strength is determined by the safety felt by its women. By this measure, it is evident that women in West Bengal currently live in a state of fear.
These statements were made during an event held by a Kolkata-based chamber of commerce.
He indirectly criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress government for the persistent sexual crimes reported in the state.
“What we are witnessing now is merely the surface of a much larger problem, which stems from the ineffectiveness of those in power,” the Governor remarked.
Furthermore, he condemned the police department for its inadequate response to incidents of sexual violence against women.
“The primary duty of authorities is to uphold law and order. As Governor, I must say that the police force in this state is not meeting expectations. The current conditions in West Bengal suggest a ‘soft state’ where the enforcement of legal measures is insufficient. The police are failing to fulfill their critical role in law enforcement,” Bose pointed out.
He emphasized that it is the obligation of the police to ensure public safety and rigorously apply legal standards.
“Law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for any violence or disorder in the state,” the Governor concluded.