📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In recent events in West Bengal, a video of a couple being flogged at a kangaroo court in Chopra, and the death by suicide of a woman after being beaten by a similar gathering in Fulbari have brought to light a disturbing culture of violence in the region. The focus on these incidents sheds light on the underlying issues of human relationships in the area. The victims, Rubina and Sabita, have been silenced by fear and guilt, as their lives are shattered by the violence they faced.
Rubina, a survivor of the violence in Chopra, recounts her ordeal, refusing to identify her aggressor. The video that went viral depicted her and another man being mercilessly beaten in a public setting, while onlookers did nothing to intervene. In a separate incident, Sabita Barman took her own life after facing public assault for her extramarital relationship. The tragic stories of these women highlight the deep-rooted issues of mob violence and moral policing in the region.
The incidents in Chopra and Fulbari have sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters. While local politicians and officials have taken action against the perpetrators, the larger issue of mob violence and vigilantism remains a challenge in West Bengal. The presence of kangaroo courts and the use of violence to enforce morality reflect a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed.
The cases in Chopra and Fulbari are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of mob violence in the state. The recent lynching cases in Kolkata and Bidhannagar further underscore the need for stronger laws and interventions to prevent such atrocities. The response from the state government, including compensations and job offers to the families of victims, is a step in the right direction.
As the incidents in Chopra and Fulbari continue to unravel, it is essential to address the underlying issues that lead to such acts of violence. The voices of victims like Rubina and Sabita must be heard, and justice must be served to ensure that such atrocities are not repeated. The culture of violence in West Bengal needs to be confronted with a concerted effort towards prevention and justice for the survivors.