'Will Boycott Grant': Durga Puja Bodies Reject TMC Govt's Honorarium Over Kolkata Doctor Death

Kolkata: Demanding justice for the victim doctor of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, several Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have rejected the Rs 85,000 honorarium offered by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying they cannot accept help from the government when women have taken to the streets demanding security.

President of Bhadrakali Bouthan Sangha said that this year they won't be accepting grant from West Bengal government. 

"Will Not Take Grants" 

"We have decided to boycott this grant this year to honour the sentiments of our members who are deeply upset over the brutal attack on the postgraduate trainee doctor at her workplace. We had received this grant for several years in the past," Rina Das said.  

Echoing similar sentiments, Prasenjit Bhattacharya from Uttarpara Shakti Sangha said, "This is a symbolic protest. We will not accept the money until those involved in this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice." 

Other committees, such as the Lalgola Krishnapur Sanyasitala in Murshidabad and the Bethuadahari Town Club in Nadia, have also informed local authorities of their decision to forgo the grant.

Similarly, the Hiland Park Durgostav Committee in Jadavpur has declined the grant to express solidarity with the victim's family. An official from the committee stated, "We have collectively decided to forgo the grant in light of the ongoing protests and demands for justice." The Forum for Durgotsab, which represents community Durga Puja committees, has called for keeping the festival separate from the tragic incident.

Earlier, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called for an investigation into Mamata Banerjee in connection with the Kolkata rape-murder case."There should be an investigation against the West Bengal health minister. Mamata Banerjee's phone should be seized, and an inquiry conducted," he said.

Majumdar also announced that the BJP's Mahila Morcha plans to lock the West Bengal Commission for Women office on August 28 due to the commission's inaction in the case.

(With inputs from PTI)