Deaf, dumb girl raped in prison van by Bengal cops

Deaf, dumb girl raped in prison van by Bengal cops
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

CALCUTTA, SEPT 21: In a shocking incident, a deaf and dumb teenager girl was allegedly raped by policemen in a prison van while being brought back from Alipore court to Presidency Jail here on Tuesday evening.

With the Centre and especially Mamata Banerjee's hawk eye on the law and order situation in the state, the West Bengal government was prompt in ordering an inquiry along with a medical test of the girl. But the Trinamool Congress has demanded resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home Buddhadev Bhattacharya, who also holds the Police Department portfolio.

``After we get the report, we will take action against the culprits who have perpetrated this heinous crime,'' Bhattacharya told reporters today.``If the report indicates that those who were escorting her back to the prison are guilty, they will be punished.''

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Nazrul Islam has also promised swift action. ``We have identified the constable who had escorted the girl. If it is established that he has done this crime, severest action is awaiting him.''

According to the FIR filed by Superintendent of Presidency Jail Parimal Das, the girl was being brought back to the prison on September 19 evening after a court hearing in a theft case for which she had been arrested. Also in the van was a constable of the Reserve Force of the Calcutta police, plus a woman Home Guard. The Reserve Force constable reportedly convinced his woman counterpart to get off the vehicle later, and then allegedly raped the girl.

When the van reached Presidency Jail, the girl got down crying. The other inmates got inquisitive and an expert from the Deaf and Dumb School at Manicktala in central Calcutta was called to talk to the girl. When she said she had been raped, the jail Superintendent filed an FIR with the Alipore police station.

Chairman of the Trinamool's policymaking body Pankaj Banerjee feels the incident reflects the malaise in the West Bengal situation and that Bhattacharya should resign immediately. ``He is not fit to run the Home Department of the state,'' he added.