Women in India not safe under BJP's rule, says TMC

Kolkata: Demanding a thorough probe and punishment for the two BSF jawans who allegedly raped a woman, Trinamool Congress (TMC) said that Indian 'women were not safe under BJP's rule' and questioned why the saffron party was silent on the 'horrendous' incident.

Earlier, two BSF jawans were arrested for their alleged involvement in raping a woman at Bagda in North 24-Parganas.

Condemning the incident, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP tweeted: "The Defense and Paramilitary forces who have been protecting us is now committing HORRENDOUS crimes—raping a woman is completely UNACCEPTABLE! We demand thorough investigation and punishment for such wrong-doings."

Shashi Panja, state minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare and Trinamool Congress spokesperson tweeted: "Indian women ARE NOT SAFE under @narendramodiji's watch! The Prime Minister gives lengthy speeches on Nari Shakti and respecting women when the reality is very, very different. Who are you trying to fool, Mr Modi?"

TMC leader and party's state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said: "BSF—a body that was supposed to be protecting our borders is now doing something quite different! BSF is now BJP Security Force. We are not here to disrespect Central Forces BUT @BJP4India is REPEATEDLY MISUSING Central Forces and the entire Trinamool Congress family strongly condemns this."

He also demanded an apology from the BJP for misusing the central agencies politically to scare the opposition parties. He said there was a time when the villagers had a very cordial relationship with the BSF jawans. But the BJP has spoilt this institution. It has extended the jurisdiction of the BSF to satisfy its political goal. Now, allegations of rape and highhanded by BSF jawans are often heard.

"It is uncalled for and the Union home department should take the matter seriously," he said.

TMC youth wing president Saayoni Ghosh tweeted: A woman's modesty was attacked by a BSF Jawan and an Officer! As even more instances become apparent against PM @narendramodi's assurances of 'NARI SHAKTI' and 'NARI SURAKSHA', will @BJP4India break their silence?"

Stating that women's safety cannot be limited to only flowery speeches, TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev tweeted: "Walk the talk, PM @narendramodi & HM @amitshah! Women's safety and security CANNOT be limited to lectures and flowery speeches."

Meanwhile, both the jawans were suspended and an inquiry by the BSF has started. It is alleged that two jawans had raped a housewife and threatened her with dire consequences if she made any attempt to raise her voice against them.