There have been accusations of sexual harassment against West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose by an employee of Raj Bhavan. In this case, a contractual employee of Raj Bhavan, a woman, has accused the governor of acting inappropriately. Public scrutiny, political dynamics, and constitutional provisions all come into play as the investigation progresses.
The Allegations
Raj Bhavan Employee Complaint:
- A female employee of Raj Bhavan who has been working there since 2019 made the police complaint against Governor Bose.
- She claims that he repeatedly harassed her sexually and even touched her inappropriately.
- Specifically, there have been meetings in his office where she felt violated and uneasy.
Governor's Defence: Constitutional Immunity
The Indian Constitution, Article 361:
Article 361(2) and (3), which grant the President and Governors constitutional immunity while they are in office, have been invoked by Governor Bose.
- This clause prohibits the beginning or continuation of any criminal proceedings against them.
- Bose contends that he is immune from any criminal probe or inquiry because of this immunity.
The Governor's Response
Audio Message:
- In a strongly worded audio message, Governor Bose referred to himself as the "captain of the storm."
- He warned his staff of "a more sinister plot" being hatched in Raj Bhavan.
- Bose vowed not to be deterred from his efforts to "expose corruption and curb violence.
- He dismissed the allegations as "absurd dramas" and character assassination.
- He stated, "I have braved many storms" and emphasised his determination to fight for the dignity and respect of the people of Bengal.
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Kolkata Police Investigation
The Kolkata Police formed a "special inquiry team" to investigate the allegations. The team will speak to probable witnesses and review CCTV footage from Raj Bhavan. The case remains sensitive due to the governor's constitutional position.
Historical Precedents
- N.D. Tiwari Scandal: In 2009, N.D. Tiwari, then Governor of Andhra Pradesh, faced a sex scandal and resigned.
- M.K. Narayanan Incident: M.K. Narayanan, former Governor of West Bengal, dealt with allegations of inappropriate conduct in 2013.
Conclusion
The case of Governor CV Ananda Bose underscores the delicate balance between constitutional protections and accountability. While legal immunity shields him, public opinion and political pressure may shape the outcome. As investigations continue, the truth remains elusive, and the storm within Raj Bhavan rages on.
As the situation evolves, we'll keep you informed of any further developments. Stay tuned for updates on this case.
Additional Information:
TMC's Criticism:
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has questioned Governor CV Ananda Bose's actions, especially his decision to evade the inquiry into the sexual harassment claims. TMC leader Ghose criticised Bose for leaving West Bengal and seeking refuge in Kerala, raising further questions about his involvement in the case. TMC leader, Smt. Mamata Banarjee strongly criticised the terrible Raj Bhavan incident. Smt. @mamataofficial strongly condemned the appalling incident in Raj Bhavan!
It's deeply disturbing that the same Governor who showed great urgency in reaching Sandeshkhali now stands accused of molesting a female staff member.
PM @narendramodi's spent the night there and his… pic.twitter.com/b07DXs1LNp— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 3, 2024
Kolkata Police Investigation Continues:
The special inquiry team of the Kolkata Police is actively investigating the case. In order to determine whether the accusations are true, they intend to speak with witnesses and review CCTV footage.
The already complicated situation is made more so by these developments, and debates about the legal ramifications of using constitutional immunity are still focused on this topic.
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