West Bengal, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is currently facing a serious crisis concerning women’s safety. Incidents occur daily that are enough to shame the genteel society. However, the most shocking aspect is that both the ruling party and the opposition in Bengal are maintaining silence on this issue
Series of Incidents
In recent times, numerous incidents have come to light where women were publicly harassed. The most recent case surfaced on June 30, when a video went viral showing a woman being beaten in a kangaroo court. This video was shared by BJP’s Amit Malviya and CPI’s Mohammed Salim. In the video, a woman was surrounded and beaten, reminiscent of Islamic courts.
The name of Tajemul, a close associate of TMC MLA Hamidur Rahman, emerged in this incident. Tajemul is known as “JCB” for delivering “instant justice.” This is the same Bengal where running JCBs on illegal encroachments is considered injustice, yet there is no objection to a JCB harassing women.
Following Sharia Law
The most shocking aspect is the adherence to Sharia law in this matter. The MLA stated that his party had no involvement, and it happened according to Muslim social norms. This statement raises the question: since when has Bengal become a Muslim nation?
During election campaigns, Mamta Banerjee and opposition leaders vocally champion the Constitution’s protection. Yet, in Bengal, this rhetoric contrasts sharply with the reality of Sharia law overshadowing legal principles. The question lingers: Has Bengal adopted Muslim norms as its legal framework?
Legal and Constitutional Crisis
The most important aspect of this incident is that it is not just about harassing a woman but also challenging the Indian Constitution. The police state that since the woman did not file a complaint, nothing matters. The MLA’s statement that “the woman had left her husband and children, and there are certain norms in Muslim society,” shows how constitutional rights are being ignored.
Status of Women
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent advocacy for impartial justice stands in stark contrast to the reality of kangaroo courts prevailing over fast-track courts for women in her state. This contradiction reflects profound insensitivity towards ensuring swift and fair legal recourse for women facing violence and injustice. Despite her public statements on justice and equality, the persistence of kangaroo courts undermines the very principles she claims to uphold. This discrepancy highlights a systemic failure to prioritize women’s safety and access to justice, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of governance in addressing gender-based violence and protecting women’s rights in West Bengal.
Other Incidents
Such incidents are not isolated in Bengal. BJP’s Muslim worker Rosonara Khatoon faced harassment, yet authorities failed to take action. Similarly, in Sandeshkhali, a comparable incident occurred where the focus was on shielding the accused rather than delivering justice, reflecting a troubling pattern of neglect and partiality in addressing such issues.
Conclusion
Both the safety of women and the dignity of the Constitution are at risk in Bengal. This is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. It is time for society, administration, and the judiciary to come together to resolve this issue. If attention is not given today, this problem could become more severe in the future.
Like every other incident in Bengal, this one might also get suppressed, as many still believe that Mamta Banerjee is the only one who can defeat Modi. However, this mindset and perspective need to change to ensure the protection of women’s safety and the dignity of the Constitution.
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