The National Commission for Women (NCW) Thursday wrote to West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar regarding the purported verbal abuse of a cop in Birbhum by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal.
According to the letter sent by Archana Majumdar, a member of the NCW, “The National Commission for Women expresses deep concern over the apparent inaction by the state police in this matter, despite clear and widespread public outrage. This inaction not only emboldens such repeat offenders but also deeply undermines the morale of the police force and shakes public confidence in the neutrality and responsiveness of law enforcement agencies. You are aware that Mr Mondal has a long and well-documented history of intimidation, criminal conduct, and corruption, including arrest and custody by the CBI in previous cases.”
Majumdar told media persons that “the NCW has sought an action-taken report in the matter,” adding that “if the wife and mother of the police officer face such a situation, then what is the condition of common citizens of the State.”
The Commission has asked DGP Rajeev Kumar to submit the report within 72 hours from the time of receipt of the letter.
After the audio of the telephone conversation went viral, sources said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also started a fresh probe to find out whether any witness in the cattle-smuggling case had been similarly intimidated either by Mondal or any of his associates to change their statements.
Reacting to the NCW notice, TMC spokesperson Joy Prakash Majumdar said, “The NCW now is being used for political purposes, and it is sad that they have lost their independence and impartiality. In BJP-ruled states, there are reports of enormous misconduct against women… the NCW never utters a word or interferes in such states. On the other hand, in places like West Bengal, they make political statements for the benefit of the BJP.”
A week after the audio conversation between Mondal and the police officer went viral, Mondal appeared before the sub-divisional police officer recently and recorded his statement. The TMC condemned Mondal’s remarks and sought an apology from him, which he promptly complied with.
Story continues below this ad
Meanwhile, Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has announced that a ‘Nari Samman Yatra’ will be held in Bolpur on June 9.
Speaking on the viral audio tape, Adhikari said, “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had taught Mondal what to say in the police station. After Bolpur’s rally on June 9, the same yatra will take place in Nadia. I am expecting at least 10,000 people to attend the rally.”
Mondal was arrested in August 2022 by the CBI in connection with the multi-crore cattle-smuggling case in West Bengal. Later, he was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. After spending over two years in Tihar Jail in New Delhi, Mondal was released on bail recently, following which he returned to his house in Bolpur under Birbhum district.
