In West Bengal, many people are afraid to speak out against the state government, particularly after the shocking case of Dr. A, who was brutally raped and murdered. The fear has intensified as those who question the government’s actions online face serious threats. The state police have treated these individuals like criminals, threatening their jobs and removing their posts, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech in the state.
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Silencing the Voices
Instead of addressing the real issues, the police appear more focused on silencing those who dare to speak out. This situation raises an important question: In a democratic country like India, where citizens have the right to question injustice, why are people in West Bengal being silenced?
The police claim they did everything they could in Dr. A’s case, including cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, many are questioning whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.
Civic Volunteer Recruitment Concerns
One of the major concerns is how Sanjay Roy, the accused in Dr. A’s case, was recruited as a Civic Police Volunteer. Roy has a troubling past, including allegations of assaulting his pregnant wife and mistreating a female doctor. Despite these serious issues, he was still placed in a government hospital. This raises critical questions: Did the police conduct a proper background check before hiring him?
According to the rules, Civic Volunteers should have no criminal record. If that’s the case, how did someone like Roy secure the job? Were the allegations against him ignored or erased? Proper background checks might have saved Dr. A’s life.
Doubts have also surfaced about the selection process for Civic Volunteers. Was there any real training or examination involved? Or was Roy’s appointment influenced by political connections? Reports suggest some Civic Volunteers in West Bengal engage in personal favors for the police, extort money, and monitor opposition politicians. Roy even had a motorbike with a ‘POLICE’ sticker, giving him unchecked access to parts of RG Kar hospital.
Need for Better Oversight
The police should prioritize thorough background checks before hiring Civic Volunteers. This isn’t just about accountability—it’s about saving lives.
Violence at RG Kar Hospital
On August 14th, a riot involving over 7,000 people erupted at RG Kar Hospital. The rioters caused extensive damage and attacked doctors and patients’ families. If the state government claims it cannot control such a large crowd, why hasn’t the imposition of President’s Rule been considered?
Women’s Voices Matter
It’s crucial to recognize that women are uniquely positioned to understand and address the pain of other women. Their voices must be heard, especially in cases like Dr. A’s.
Chief Minister’s Role Under Scrutiny
Concerns are growing over the role of West Bengal’s Chief Minister, who is also responsible for health and protection. Instead of addressing the government’s shortcomings, she joined protests, raising questions about her leadership and the public’s confidence in her. As the home minister, the police fall under her jurisdiction, yet there seems to be a disconnect between her statements and police actions. Who were the 7,000 rioters, and why were they not stopped?
Doctor Transfers Spark Outrage
The Hindustan Times reported that 42 doctors were transferred across Bengal, sparking public outrage. It appears that questioning the government leads to punitive transfers to silence dissent. After public protests, these transfer orders were canceled. Was this a sign of the government admitting its mistakes?
Time for Action and Transparency
The situation in West Bengal is deeply concerning. There is an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and justice. The people of India have the right to question their leaders, especially when faced with injustice. The state government and police must address these concerns and take real steps to protect their citizens.
