13 Maitree members (A network of Women Organisations and individual women of West Bengal) were arrested from a peaceful demonstration near Chief Minister’s house at Kalighat in Kolkata. These women wanted to meet the Chief Minister to hand over the following memorandum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Open Letter

 

To The Honorary Chief Minister and State Home Minister of Kolkata

The Rape of Two College Girls in Barasat and Nadia

Why are you silent on the brutal cases of rape of the college girls in Nadia and Barasat? Why are incidents of sexual assault cases repeatedly occurring in Barasat? Why are the perpetrators not punished for these crimes? The NCRB data shows that West Bengal is actually topping the list of states in crimes of sexual assaults against women. We are deeply angry, concerned and restless about this issue. We strongly protest these heinous crimes and will not accept any complacency related to the issue of women’s safety.

We demand:-

1.       Swift investigation, trial and exemplary punishment of the guilty.

2.       Remove the guilty police personnel responsible for negligence and complacency towards these incidents. Ensure peace, safety and security for people in Barasat.

3.       Women and all citizens of West Bengal should enjoy and be able to engage in studies, work, leisure, free mobility without any hindrance. The State administration must immediately create a safe, secure and protective environment.

4.       The State must not lag behind only because it scores low in security issues. Women citizens must not be afraid and must have access to easy and safe transport facilities.

You are the administrative head and the Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is your responsibility to look into this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Maitree – A network of Women Organisations and individual women of West Bengal

13^th June, 2013

Present Secretariat: Jeevika Development Society

Flat No. 1/A, South End View Building, Diamond Harbour Road, P.O.-Joka, Dist.-S. 24 Parganas Kolkata -700 104

Phone Nos : 2467-3060 / 2453-3843 e-mail : dolonganguly@gmail.com, jeevika@cal2.vsnl.net.in

Contact: Anjali Mental Health Rights Organization

P-23 Darga Raod, 2nd Floor, Park Circus, Kolkata – 700017 Phone No: 22903711; e-mail: anjali_i@dataone.in/info@anjalimentalhealth.org

Parichiti – A Society for Empowerment of Women

28/15 Dhakuria Station Road, Kolkata – 700031 Phone No: 24236753; e-mail: parichiti@gmail.com

A Network of Women Activists & Organization