ABVP protests against Mamata govt over crime against women

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, March 5

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a protest on Tuesday against the West Bengal Government in response to the Sandeshkhali violence. Members of the ABVP demanded swift action against those responsible for the violence.

The incident in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been fraught with allegations of sexual assault against women and land grabbing by leaders of the Trinamool Congress. The ABVP initiated a nationwide protest against the state government, culminating in a significant demonstration at Banga Bhavan in the Capital.

Expressing grave concern over the situation, the ABVP emphasised the urgent need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims. They accused the West Bengal Government of ignoring corruption and creating an environment where criminals exploit and violate people, particularly women.

The ABVP submitted a five-point memorandum to the President, urging the involvement of Central agencies in the investigation to ensure impartiality and speed. The memorandum also called for the establishment of a helpline for victims to access governmental and judicial support, provision of legal aid, and the establishment of psychiatric centres to address mental trauma.

Harsh Atri, ABVP Delhi secretary, condemned the Sandeshkhali incident as ‘heart-wrenching’ and criticised the West Bengal Government for its alleged inaction against the perpetrators. He called for a thorough investigation to hold the culprits accountable.

He said, “To witness such an incident against women in a state ruled by a woman shows Mamata Banerjee’s whims and fancies against women and deprived people.”

Aparajita, secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union, echoed Atri’s sentiments, highlighting the urgency of the situation and demanding justice for the victims. The lack of action against the main accused, Shaik Shahjahan, raised concerns about the state’s law and order, she added.

Aparajita voiced concerns, stating, “No action against the main accused Shaik Shahjahan also raises questions about the law and order in the state.”

The protest saw participation from various student leaders, including Delhi University Students’ Union president Tushar Dedha, secretary Aparajita and joint secretary Sachin Baisla, along with students from colleges across Delhi University. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the alleged corruption and violence in the West Bengal Government and advocate for justice for the victims of the Sandeshkhali incident.