“Rape cases are on the rise because boys and girls interact more freely now. Earlier, if men and women held hands, they would be caught and reprimanded by parents, but now everything is so open. It’s like an open market with open options.”
Mamata Banerjee, CM West Bengal, 2012.
The streets of Kolkata in West Bengal (WB), which have seen a degree of political activity and demonstration, erupted in a show of solidarity once again when a female junior doctor from the renowned R.G. Kar Hospital was the latest victim of rape and brutal murder on 9 August 2024. I would like to emphasise that the focus of this article is not on yet another isolated incident of a sexual offense in WB; rather, it is about the need to address systemic issues of rape and injustices nurtured and facilitated by the Mamata Banerjee Government.
Abhaya, meaning “fearless”, was subjected to institutional torture, discrimination and oppression. The incident had attracted worldwide attention. Two of the primary reasons behind this focus were the institutional involvement in the incident and how it was handled, as well as the government’s subsequent response to address the core issue. There was considerable hesitation in the suspension of Sandip Ghosh, the principal of the college, who was accountable, if not, responsible for the incident.
It demonstrates the influence and potential ‘secrets’ that this individual holds, which the state government is concerned should be closely managed. The junior doctors have mounted a determined resistance, with the support of the general public who have taken to the streets to demand justice from the state’s female Chief Minister (CM). After seven months, the law has taken its course, as it often does in this country, but often too slowly. People’s memories are gradually fading, leaving the helpless parents to fight for justice for their daughter, who became a victim of institutional murder and government cover-up.
The issue of sexual violence and the handling of rape cases under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee in WB has been the subject of considerable debate, and there have been numerous instances that have drawn attention to the state’s response to such cases. However, it is crucial to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding, acknowledging the complexity of the issue while addressing specific incidents.
Notable Rape Cases in West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee’s Rule
- Park Street Rape Case (2012): One of the first high-profile cases during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure occurred in 2012, when a woman was gang-raped in the Park Street area of Kolkata. Initially, the police and Mamata Banerjee’s government were criticised for mishandling the case. Mamata Banerjee’s statements, in particular, called into question the victim’s account, suggesting that the incident was fabricated or exaggerated for personal or political gain. This was followed by her Member of Parliament, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar (a woman, too!), who asserted that the incident was not a case of sexual assault, but rather a deal gone wrong between a woman and her ‘client’. The case provoked outrage and controversy, and Mamata Banerjee’s dismissal of the victim’s claims led to accusations of insensitivity and political interference.
- Kamduni Rape case (2013): The incident involved the abduction, gang rape and murder of a 17-year-old college student. She was on her way back from college when the attack happened. CM Mamata Banerjee has described the protesters demanding justice for the victim as ‘Maoists’.
- Nadia rape case (2022): A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Nadia and later she died. CM remarked, “This story they are showing that a minor has died due to rape, will you call it a rape? Was she pregnant or had a love affair? Have they enquired? I have asked the police. They have made arrests. I was told the girl had an affair with the boy.” The primary accused in the case was a 21-year-old son of a local gram Pradhan member from the ruling party, Brajagopal Gayali alias Sohail.
These are just a few examples that demonstrate how political discourse can legitimise such crimes. In light of this, it is necessary to rethink traditional ideas of patriarchy and the role of women in perpetuating such systems of oppression.
Allegations of Injustice and Politicization: Common Thread
Mamata Banerjee has been accused of failing to provide justice to rape victims in several instances. There are a few common threads as highlighted in the earlier examples:
- Dismissal of Victims’ Claims: In the case of the Park Street rape, Mamata Banerjee herself made controversial remarks, suggesting the rape could have been fabricated for financial or personal gain. Her statements were perceived as an attempt to minimise the severity of the crime, which led to public outrage and criticism from human rights organisations. This was widely perceived as an effort to protect the reputation of her government, especially in the face of mounting media scrutiny. A similar pattern emerged in the R.G. Kar case, where she offered to financially compensate the victims’ family, stating, that their daughter will never come back.
- Lack of Timely Action: In a number of cases, the WB government was accused of delaying justice, either through inefficient law enforcement or a reluctance to take swift action. Concerns have been raised that the police have been slow to investigate such incidents, and that the state government’s failure to address the issue head-on has led to the problem escalating. This is primarily because in most cases, individuals associated with the ruling party were found to be complicit in the incident.
- Politicization of Rape Cases: The handling of rape cases by Mamata Banerjee has been observed to carry a political dimension. In certain cases, the ruling party has been accused of demonizing the victims when they are perceived as being associated with political opposition groups. For instance, in the case of the Park Street rape, Mamata Banerjee and other Trinamool Congress leaders suggested that the victim might be trying to embarrass the government for political reasons. This has been viewed as undermining the credibility of the victim’s claims and portraying her as a political pawn.
- Blaming Political Opponents: Mamata Banerjee has been accused of attempting to deflect criticism by attributing the rise in rape cases to opposition parties. This approach has been criticised for its failure to address the underlying causes of rape and violence against women, and for its emphasis on a narrative of political rivalry.
Criticism of the State Government’s Approach to Justice
- Inefficiency in Law Enforcement: It has been noted by numerous observers that law enforcement agencies in WB frequently demonstrate an inability to respond promptly and impartially to allegations of sexual assault, a tendency that is especially pronounced when the accused is known to have significant political connections or familial ties within high-ranking positions. In such cases, there have been accusations of bias, corruption, or political interference, which is more often the case. For example, bias in reporting has been previously alleged which purportedly draws the picture of declining crimes against women in the state.
- Weak Legal Framework for Victim Protection: Activists have often been critical of the Mamata Banerjee administration for what they see as its failure to strengthen legal mechanisms to support rape victims and ensure their safety. The absence of comprehensive victim protection schemes and inadequate support for survivors following such traumatic incidents has been a point of concern. Additionally, a misplaced sense of security emanates from the highest levels of government. For instance, the Ratri Sathi initiative (helpers of the night), announced by the CM in the immediate aftermath of the R.G. Kar case, is a case in point. One of this initiative’s most concerning aspects is the limitation of women’s responsibilities during nighttime hours. Instead of enhancing security measures to provide a safe working environment for women, the state government appears to be pursuing a course of action that will restrict their working hours. The provision was later removed after Supreme Court observations.
Responses from Mamata Banerjee and the TMC Government
While Mamata Banerjee has publicly expressed her commitment to women’s safety and justice, how some rape cases have been handled has led to public frustration. The political and social climate in WB has sometimes led to a situation where rape cases are viewed through a partisan lens, which often complicates efforts to seek justice. Accusations of demonizing victims, politicizing cases, and failing to provide justice to survivors have tarnished her government’s reputation on this front. The focus on political rivalries and the slow response to such incidents have contributed to a sense that the administration prioritizes political stability over the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly women.
As the number of reported rapes continues to increase, the silence surrounding the issue is becoming more and more audible. However, in terms of Indian standards, Mamata Banerjee is a ‘SUCCESSFUL’ politician, having won every election despite the horrendous incidents, the brutality of which is deepening with time. The pervasive influence of the state has eroded the ethical standards of society and civil society, hindering the ability to demand justice. Mamata Banerjee’s political success is evident in her ability to instil a sense of fear in a community that is driven by narrow, selfish interests, rather than by integrity, loyalty and humanity. Ultimately, one rhetorical question stands out: how can a female chief minister prioritize political gains over women’s rights?
Dr. Suparna Banerjee is Associate Fellow at Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany.
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