Dhantala: Unanswered queries

KOLKATA: Almost a month and 17 arrests later, there are still critical questions regarding the “rob-andrape� incident of March 6 at Dhantala in Nadia that beg answers.
Security for key witnesses is the immediate concern. Even women members of the NGO – who first reached the victims and later helped them to lodge FIRs – are feeling threatened.They have preferred to remain anonymous for fear that is not unfounded.
Although the state women’s commission has criticised the local police, the behaviour of higher officers has been questionable, too.
FIRs were lodged 17 days after the incident. But investigation by the Ranaghat branch of the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights revealed that within two days, victims had narrated their story to an additional superintendent of police, Nadia. A few days afterwards,, senior officers including the SPs of Nadia and adjoining North 24-Parganas held a meeting at neighbouring Nataberia to review the situation. Why did none of these officers lodge suo motu FIRs?
The delay may have damaged crucial proof, including medical evidence that could have been recorded if the women were examined early. As it is, most of them seem to have stayed away from lodging FIR because of insecurity and social stigma.
The APDR has traced eight victims, who have cited various obstacles ranging from being married to being considered for marriage.Witnesses further said that at least four women of the second bus – which was said to have escaped attack despite being the “real target� – had also been sexually assaulted. One of the victims has reportedly been deserted by her husband following the incident.
While the women’s commission said that nothing happened in the newly built madrassah, witnesses testified that the assaults took place both inside the building and in the field outside.
The madrassah was cleaned before CPM leader Asim Bala inaugurated it at 9 am. The inaugural plaque was reportedly removed on March 8.
The wife of slain bus driver Samir Ghosh has complained lack of security. She has no means of supporting herself and her two children unless given a job. The helper of the bus, a key witness, living in fear, too.
And local residents have seen that nothing has been done after the passengers of four buses nearby Charatala were robbed and raped in a similar fashion.