Another Puja committee refuses Puja Grant, says 'give justice in RG Kar case'

The protest against the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident has spread from cities to remote villages in West Bengal, with local communities taking a firm stand for justice. In a significant move, the Maa Sharadjanani Durgotsava Puja Committee from Astara village in Tarkeshwar has refused to accept the ₹85,000 government grant provided for Durga Puja celebrations, citing their demand for justice over the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor, Tilottama, at RG Kar Hospital.

This wave of protest was initially sparked by the Shakti Sangh Club of Uttarpara, which also rejected the state government's puja grant as a form of protest against the heinous crime. Now, the Maa Sharadjanani Durgotsava Puja Committee, led by women, has joined the movement, highlighting the growing discontent across different strata of society.

Ruma Dhara, who is responsible for organizing the puja in the village, expressed the committee's sentiments: "Standing at our Puja mandap, where we establish the idol of Maa Durga, we seek justice for Tilottama. She was a doctor dedicated to saving lives, yet her own life was brutally taken. We cannot accept any donation from the government under these circumstances. We want justice, not money."

The committee members, driven by a strong sense of justice and concern for the safety of women, especially in the aftermath of such a tragic incident, voiced their fears and hopes. Chaitali Jana, another member of the committee, added, "We have daughters and sisters in our homes. How can we ensure their safety if such crimes go unpunished? We will only consider accepting the grant if justice is served."