Women in Bengal have lost trust in police, says NCW chairperson Vijaya after Murshidabad visit

After touring several areas of West Bengal, including Malda and Murshidabad, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar addressed a press conference in Newtown on Sunday afternoon. Speaking to the media from a five-star hotel, she raised serious concerns about the safety and mental state of women in the region.

Vijaya Rahatkar said that women she interacted with were visibly scared and expressed a deep mistrust toward the state police. "They are afraid to even approach the police. This fear reflects a serious breakdown of law and order when it comes to women’s safety," she remarked.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the NCW chief emphasized that political affiliations or rivalries should not come into play at this critical juncture. "This is not the time to do politics but to stand firmly with the victims," she asserted, calling for unified efforts to ensure justice for affected women.

Rahatkar’s comments come at a time when concerns about women's safety and alleged police inaction have been making headlines across Bengal. She said the NCW will prepare a detailed report based on her observations and submit recommendations to the central government for further action.

She also appealed to the state administration to prioritize rebuilding public trust in law enforcement, especially among women. "Without trust in the system, true justice remains a distant dream," she added during her interaction with reporters.

The NCW team is expected to continue its fact-finding work in other sensitive districts, with a focus on ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and necessary protections are enforced without delay.