College crime reignites political debate, protests
Kolkata: Yet another rape, 10 months after the rape-murder of a PGT doctor at RG Kar, reignited a war of words between Trinamool and opposition parties on Friday.
"This is not just a crime, it is a glaring proof of Trinamool student organisation netas tarnishing sanctity of educational institutions.
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A college campus, a sacred place where students come to acquire knowledge, witnessing such brutality is shameful for our society.
Trinamool student netas have repeatedly misused their power to create an atmosphere of fear in educational institutes," said
's Suvendu Adhikari.
CPM's Sujan Chakraborty, while leading a rally outside Kasba police station, took a dig at main accused Manojit Mishra's association with TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
He said, "Illegal unions must be shut down. Student union polls need to be organised."
SFI, AIDSO, and SUCI also took out rallies outside the college and Kasba PS.
A group of demonstrators even scaled the law college gate and tore posters of CM Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee on the campus.
Meanwhile, outside Kasba PS, Left supporters clashed with cops, forcing deployment of RAF. There was massive traffic jam on Rasbehari connector from afternoon till evening because of the protests.
A commuter stuck in traffic near Bijan Setu said, "We were on our way to hospital and are now stuck."
Trinamool functionaries termed the incident "heinous" and said they were "pained". They also lauded cop effort for arresting the culprits within 12 hours of the incident being reported. "We are standing with the survivor. There are no words to condemn such a heinous crime, but we want to tell her that those who committed this barbarity were arrested immediately.
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We want her to get justice. The culprits will receive the strictest punishment," said minister Sashi Panja.
Education minister Bratya Basu said, "Directorate of Public Instruction has asked the vice principal to convene GB meeting and find out lapses, if any, and take steps to ensure safety. Cops have already arrested the accused." Panja asked why Aparajita Bill that got passed in the assembly was yet to be approved by the Centre. " Instead of resorting to theatrics on streets, BJP should express support for the Bill. Ask the President to pass it.
A woman's body is not your political battlefield," Panja said.
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