Vice President Dhankhar criticizes NGOs and SCBA president over Kolkata murder case

New Delhi September 1 2024 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has sharply criticized certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their perceived indifference to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Dhankhar’s comments, made on Sunday at the Rashtriya Military College in Dehradun, reflect growing national outrage over the case. Speaking candidly, Dhankhar accused some NGOs of being notably silent on the incident. “Certain NGOs that are quick to react to minor issues are conspicuously silent when it comes to this heinous crime. Their silence is even more disturbing than the actions of the perpetrators themselves,” Dhankhar said. He criticized these organizations for allegedly prioritizing political gains and internal communications over addressing the grave issue at hand.This criticism follows earlier statements by Dhankhar regarding the Kolkata murder case, which has sparked widespread indignation across India. On Friday, the Vice President had described the incident as “painful” and called for the establishment of a robust deterrent system to ensure that perpetrators are adequately punished.

In addition to targeting NGOs, Dhankhar also took aim at Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Kapil Sibal. The Vice President expressed his dismay over a purported resolution by Sibal, which referred to the incident as a “symptomatic malaise” and suggested that such occurrences are routine. Dhankhar’s remarks were a direct response to what he perceived as a dismissive attitude toward the severity of the crime.”I am deeply appalled and pained by the remarks of someone in such a high and esteemed position,” Dhankhar said. “To describe this incident as a mere symptomatic malaise and to imply that such violence is commonplace is both shameful and deeply troubling. It undermines the gravity of the situation and does a disservice to the victims and their families.”

Dhankhar condemned the suggestion that political or personal interests could justify or trivialize the suffering of women. “It is unacceptable to leverage one’s authority to downplay such heinous acts,” he added. “We must not trivialize the suffering of our girls and women. It is time for a decisive stance against such atrocities.” The Vice President’s remarks come amid a broader national debate about the response to violent crimes and the responsibilities of both governmental and non-governmental bodies in addressing them. The Kolkata murder case continues to be a focal point of public and political discourse, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat gender-based violence and ensure justice.