New Delhi: Twenty days after the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, President Droupadi Murmu has expressed her deep sorrow and fear over the incident. She stated, “Enough is enough. Society’s habit of forgetting such incidents is dangerous.”
During a discussion with PTI editors on August 27, President Murmu emphasized that no civilized society can allow such atrocities against its daughters and sisters. She urged society to self-reflect and understand why crimes against women continue to occur.
Horrific Crime at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College
The incident, which took place on the night of August 8-9, involved the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The doctor’s body was found in a seminar hall with her neck broken, and there were multiple signs of trauma on her body.
Criticism of the Mentality That Sees Women as Weak
President Murmu criticized the mentality of those who view women as weak and inferior, noting that such attitudes fuel crimes against women. She called on society to stand against these distorted beliefs.
The Need to Learn from History in Handling Rape Cases
Murmu pointed out that despite the widespread outrage following the Nirbhaya case, society has continued to forget numerous other rape incidents. She warned that this tendency to forget is a dangerous habit and emphasized that it is time for society to confront its history and work together to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place.
Call for Greater Awareness of Women’s Rights
The President also addressed the issue of women being seen as objects of consumption, stating that this mindset is at the root of increasing crimes against women. She urged society to unite against this mentality and work to increase awareness and sensitivity toward women’s rights.
BJP’s Bengal Shutdown and Related Violence
In response to the Kolkata incident, the BJP called for a 12-hour Bengal shutdown on August 28, which resulted in clashes and violence in several districts. BJP leader Priyangshu Pandey’s car was fired upon during the shutdown, and many BJP supporters were detained.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented that if she had the power, she would ensure strict punishment for the perpetrators. The shutdown led to a tense situation, with incidents of violence reported across the state.