The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, raised concerns on Saturday over the apparent silence of BJP leaders regarding the IIT-BHU Varanasi sexual assault case, where three individuals associated with the BJP were identified as the primary accused. The TMC claimed that the three arrested BJP workers were affiliated with the party's IT cell, which is overseen by Amit Malviya.
Expressing their dismay on X (formerly known as Twitter), the TMC pointed out the "deafening silence" from BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, Suvendu Adhikari, and Sukanta Majumdar, regarding the IIT-BHU case. The TMC characterized this silence as a "glaring display of their lack of concern for women's safety."
Chandrima Bhattacharya, the president of TMC's Mahila Wing, called for the removal of Amit Malviya from the BJP, suggesting that the silence might indicate complicity and imply support for incidents like sexual assault. Bhattacharya also announced plans for a statewide awareness campaign to highlight what the TMC perceives as the BJP's negligence in the case.
The sexual assault in question occurred on November 1, 2023, when three men on a motorcycle allegedly assaulted an IIT-BHU student. The victim was forcibly taken to a secluded area, separated from her friend, and subjected to various forms of abuse.
Additionally, responding to the BJP's accusations of failed law and order in the state following an attack on three sadhus in Purulia, the TMC emphasized the swift action taken by the West Bengal Police. TMC leader Shashi Panja noted that law enforcement promptly arrived at the scene, everyone was taken to the police station, and 12 people have already been arrested in connection with the case.
