Kolkata, 25 August (H.S.):
BJP IT Cell chief and central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, on Monday raised sharp questions over women’s safety in the state, alleging that West Bengal has become unsafe for women under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rule. His remarks came after reports of alleged harassment of a woman doctor at Malda Medical College and Hospital, sparking fresh controversy.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Malviya wrote:
“After the rape and murder of a woman intern at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, another horrifying incident has emerged from Malda. Intern doctor Mayurakshi Ghosh was harassed and abused by Muslim doctor Mohammad Mizanur Rahman. This nightmare for women continues.”
Malviya alleged that when the survivor attempted to file a formal complaint, she and her colleagues were locked inside the principal’s office for nearly 12 hours, threatened over phone calls, and mentally harassed. He questioned whether this is the future for young women who dream of serving society as doctors.
Targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, Malviya said:
“West Bengal has become unsafe for women—especially Hindu women. Every street corner hides a ‘Sheikh Shahjahan’, emboldened by Mamata Banerjee’s protection and committing crimes fearlessly.”
Meanwhile, the alleged incident has triggered widespread protests at Malda Medical College. MBBS students and interns staged a demonstration from Friday to late Saturday night, surrounding principal Partha Pratim Mukherjee and demanding immediate action. Protesters accused the administration of shielding the accused despite clear complaints of physical and mental harassment against a woman intern and another student.
They have demanded strict action against the accused and concrete measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. In response to the mounting protests, the college principal announced the formation of a special inquiry committee under administrative rules to investigate the matter.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
