India Archive

In a recent development that has sparked significant controversy, the West Bengal government is facing intense scrutiny. The state administration under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been accused of improperly integrating the Muslim community into the Other Backward Class (OBC) quota. This move, allegedly done without thorough vetting, seems tailored to secure the minority vote bank for her party, the All Indian Trinamool Congress (AITC). This policy is not entirely new, as it appears to be a continuation—and an expansion—of the practices formerly enacted by the previous Communist Party of India (Marxist) regime. Currently, criticism is mounting against the AITC for hastily categorizing 77 castes, predominantly Muslim, under the OBC umbrella.

On Wednesday, 21st August, an alarming incident unfolded on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, where an unidentified woman’s body was discovered behind bushes in a desolate area at Anandapur, according to police reports. The lifeless body was found in the Nonadanga Sabujpalli area, ward 108 under the Anandapur Police Station's jurisdiction. This shocking discovery has sent ripples of fear and concern throughout the local community. The incident occurs amidst the ongoing nationwide outcry over the recent and equally horrifying rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee female doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital.

On August 19, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai took decisive action against the Progressive Students Forum (PSF), an organization with ties to the Left-leaning Students Federation of India (SFI). TISS issued a formal notice declaring the ban of PSF, citing serious allegations that the group had been engaging in activities detrimental to the academic environment and the institute's reputation. The notice, signed by Registrar Professor Anil Sutar, labeled PSF as "unauthorized and illegal" on campus.

On a tense Tuesday, the 20th of August, the Supreme Court of India brought to light the escalating concerns regarding the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly highlighting the plight of female doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. During a critical hearing, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud voiced alarming details about the behavior of the mob involved in the recent vandalism at the hospital. "They threatened the people leading the protests with the same fate that had befallen the deceased victim, alluding to the rape threats to women doctors," he stated, underscoring the severity of the threats made directly to women doctors by name.

In a somber reflection of recent events, the aftermath of a tragic incident at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has continued to unfold. Over a week following the horrendous rape and murder of a junior doctor, a stark accusation has been levied against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In a significant development, the POCSO court has delivered a historic verdict in the Ajmer 1992 Sex Scandal, finding six individuals guilty. The accused, who have long been under the shadow of this heinous crime, appeared before the court, which will announce the sentences at 2 pm on August 20. One of the accused remains at large, highlighting the ongoing challenges in bringing all involved to justice.

In a move that has sparked significant controversy and dissent among students and free speech advocates, a second-year B.Com student was apprehended by Kolkata Police last Sunday, 18th August. The arrest was made on the grounds that the student, a 23-year-old named Kirti Sharma, shared three stories on social media concerning the harrowing rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The content of these posts, according to the police, was deemed “provocative” and overtly critical of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In a significant turn of events on Friday, 16th July, the West Bengal police detained a young man following his critical remarks about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. The criticism was linked to the harrowing incident at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a junior doctor was tragically raped and murdered.

Following an aggressive incident where an unidentified mob vandalized the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Suhrita Pal, the newly appointed Principal, voiced her frustrations. Amidst the chaos, she called for trust from the public. The situation escalated as doctors protested, demanding action against the attackers and fulfillment of the medical students' and doctors' demands.

The tragic case of 31-year-old Dr. Moumita Debnath, a Kolkata doctor who was brutally raped and murdered, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The horrific crime has sparked widespread outrage, with countless voices rising in unison to demand justice. Politicians, journalists, celebrities, and concerned citizens alike have condemned the heinous act, urging authorities to ensure that the culprits are swiftly brought to justice. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the case, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the collective demand for accountability.