Several women's organisations, trade unions and students' bodies today held a protest here against what they charged was the callous attitude of West Bengal government in dealing with the case of the gangrape victim who succumbed to her burns this New Year's eve after being set on fire by her alleged assailants.
"That the TMC government, headed by a woman, makes a mockery of a crime such as rape speaks volumes about how they seek to politicise each issue to brush aside all opposition to their rule," said Jagmati Sangwan, general secretary of the All Indian Democratic Women's Association.
All the speakers at the protest denounced the incident and demanded a speedy trial in the case while seeking steps to curb violence against women in Bengal.
AIDWA patron Brinda Karat said that their protest was against not only the violence, but also over the attitude of the TMC government towards women.
AIDWA members said they would observe January 3 as 'Akrosh Diwas' across the country.
The protesters also sought action against policemen who they alleged were hand-in-glove with the criminals and demanded protection and support for the 16-year-old victim's family.
An open letter signed by many eminent persons regarding the above demands would be sent to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee through the Resident Commissioner in Delhi tomorrow, Sangwan added.
The victim, who was gangraped twice in October of last year, died on December 31 of her burns. Her family has alleged that she was burnt alive by the culprits.
