High Security Outside Mamata Banerjee's Residence Amid Protests
Heavy security presence continued outside the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat on Wednesday, a day after the brutal murder of a minor in Baruipur sparked widespread outrage. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that Banerjee was effectively under house arrest, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the claim as political drama.
The security deployment, which included multiple layers of barricades and personnel from the Kolkata Police and RAF, has been in place since Tuesday evening. TMC leaders, including state minister Firhad Hakim, claimed that Banerjee was not allowed to step out of her residence to visit the victim's family or attend public events. "The Chief Minister is being prevented from doing her duty. This is a clear case of house arrest," Hakim said.
Baruipur Minor Murder Sparks Political Row
The murder of a 14-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, has triggered a political storm. The victim was allegedly raped and killed, with her body found near a railway track on Monday. Protests erupted in the area, with locals demanding justice and swift action against the accused. The West Bengal Police have arrested one suspect, but the opposition has accused the state government of mishandling the case.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, slammed the TMC's allegations. "This is nothing but drama. Mamata Banerjee is using the murder of a minor to play the victim card. The real issue is the deteriorating law and order in the state," Adhikari said. He added that the BJP would hold a protest march to the Chief Minister's residence demanding her resignation.
TMC Calls for Nationwide Protest
In response to the security measures, the TMC announced a statewide protest on Thursday. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "We will not allow the Chief Minister to be silenced. The people of Bengal will stand with her." The TMC has also sought an intervention from the President of India, alleging a conspiracy by the central government to destabilize the state.
The Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the Baruipur murder case and sought a report from the state government. The court expressed concern over the rising crimes against women in West Bengal and directed the police to ensure a fair investigation.
BJP Accuses TMC of Deflection
The BJP maintained that the TMC's allegations of house arrest were a diversion from the government's failure to maintain law and order. National spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Instead of addressing the crime, Mamata Banerjee is hiding behind security. The people of Bengal deserve answers, not drama." The BJP has demanded a CBI investigation into the murder, citing lack of faith in the state police.
Meanwhile, the victim's family has appealed for justice, with the father stating, "We want the strictest punishment for the culprits. No one should have to go through what we are going through." The police have assured a speedy trial and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family.
Security Remains Tight as Tensions Escalate
As of Wednesday evening, the security cordon around Banerjee's residence remained intact, with no sign of relaxation. TMC workers gathered nearby, chanting slogans against the central government. The situation remains tense, with both parties trading accusations ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections in the state.
