Kolkata, 2 July (H.S.) -

In a symbolic protest against the alleged “silence and inaction” of the West Bengal Commission for Women over the Kasba gangrape case, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) on Wednesday staged a dramatic demonstration outside the commission’s office in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

BJYM activists carried lanterns and walked around the premises, staging a symbolic search for the commission’s chairperson, Leena Gangopadhyay. Protesters accused the commission of being missing in action at a critical time when the survivor needed institutional support. “We are looking for the chairperson of the state women’s commission because even after such a heinous crime, there has been no visible response from her, nor is she traceable,” said one protester.

Responding to the protest, Leena Gangopadhyay, chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Women, dismissed the allegations, terming them “politically motivated.” She stated, “I fail to understand why this is being called a delayed response. The commission took suo motu cognisance as soon as the incident came to light.”

According to Gangopadhyay, the commission had tried to reach out to the survivor and her family on the same day the incident was reported, but they were occupied with medical procedures and academic examinations. “We called and sent a message to the survivor’s father, but the family was understandably busy with medical tests,” she said.

She further added that the commission had been in touch with senior police officials, including the Director General of Police, from the outset of the case. “The Deputy Commissioner followed up with us several times,” Gangopadhyay noted.

Gangopadhyay also stated that a team from the women’s commission, comprising herself, a legal consultant, a counsellor, and other members, visited the survivor’s home to offer psychological support and ensure that the matter was handled with sensitivity. “We wanted to ensure the girl received trauma counselling before engaging in detailed discussions,” she said.

The commission, she added, has also made specific recommendations concerning the survivor’s psychological counselling, security, and resumption of her education.

It is worth noting that the National Commission for Women has also taken cognisance of the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh