Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to West Bengal was marked by a controversial decision not to meet the parents of Abhaya (name changed), a young woman brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Shah had initially indicated his willingness to meet with the family, who sought the minister’s support in the wake of the tragedy. However, as reported by The Telegraph, the anticipated meeting on October 27 did not take place.
During his visit, Shah attended a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) event, where he criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, emphasizing issues of safety and security for women in Bengal. "In Bengal, the highhandedness of syndicates is well known," he stated, referring to the ongoing violence and safety concerns in the state. Shah called for an increased BJP presence in West Bengal to combat these issues, which he claims are exacerbated under TMC governance.
The incident surrounding Abhaya’s death has sparked significant unrest among medical professionals. In response to her tragic fate, doctors at RG Kar Medical College staged protests, demanding better safety protocols and justice for the victim. The strike highlighted the urgent need for action to protect both medical staff and patients from violence.
As the investigation into Abhaya’s murder continues under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the failure of Shah to meet her parents raises questions about political accountability and sensitivity toward victims' families. While Shah’s political rhetoric seeks to frame the BJP as a solution to the state’s safety crisis, the decision to sidestep a direct engagement with Abhaya’s grieving family has drawn criticism from various quarters, underscoring the complexities of governance and public sentiment in times of tragedy.
