Introduction

As a middle-aged man settled in Delhi and born, brought up, and educated in Kolkata, West Bengal, I have always believed in the liberal values that our society instilled in us. However, recent events in the rural hinterland have caused a deeply troubling shift in the social fabric of West Bengal. This article explores the recent brutal incidents and calls for responsible voting and upholding liberal values.

Recent Tragic Incidents

Earlier this year, two women in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, were brutally assaulted and their private parts burnt by three Muslim youths, all due to suspicion of the women being lesbians. This heinous incident took place on the 25th of October 2022, and an FIR was lodged by the victims at Sagardighi Police Station on the 3rd of November 2022. The accused, Sahebul Sheikh Kadam and Saheb, are the victims' relatives, which adds an extra layer of betrayal and heartbreak to the situation.

Moreover, a local man reportedly assisted the accused in attempting to rape the victims. This barbaric act, which seems more akin to a scene from a medieval era than a modern, liberal state, is beyond comprehension. It is not only a violation of basic human rights but also a profound affront to the values of progress and freedom that West Bengal, as a state, has always stood for.

The Role of Media and Public Apathy

The entire Kolkata-based media, which I have always trusted to champion social justice, has remained strangely silent about this incident. This silence, for the sake of maintaining a supposed image of secularism, is concerning and complicates the issue further. It is our responsibility as citizens to demand accountability and justice for these victims and to stand against such violence.

Call for Responsible Voting

It is imperative that we, as citizens of West Bengal, take responsibility for our representative choices. We must vote for national parties during both state and national elections. We should not continue to support a minister who behaves arrogantly and fails to address such heinous crimes. Mumtaz Begum, a minister in West Bengal, has been criticized for her inappropriate actions and failure to ensure citizen safety and security.

In a democratic society, we have the power to change the course of our state and nation through our votes. We must use this power responsibly and maturely to ensure that our communities are safe, inclusive, and progressive.

Conclusion

While it is easy to fear the changes taking place in West Bengal, it is essential to recognize that we are the ones who can shape our future. We must unapologetically demand better from our elected representatives and from society at large. We must stand against violence, hate, and censorship and continue to uphold the values that make West Bengal a proud and progressive state.

We need to take a stand against those who seek to divide our communities and undermine our hard-won progress. By voting wisely, speaking out, and supporting national parties, we can ensure a future where our liberal values are not just a distant memory but a guiding light in our community.