Kultali Gang Rape of Elderly Woman : In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked Bengal, a 60-year-old woman was gang raped in Kultali, South 24 Parganas, on the auspicious night of Ashtami during Durga Puja. The crime occurred when three men forcibly entered her modest bamboo-walled home, attacked her, and subjected her to brutal sexual assault.
The woman’s husband was away at a hospital undergoing eye surgery, leaving her alone at home. According to her statement, the assailants not only raped her in turn but also threatened to kill her if she dared to report the crime.
Two of the accused, identified as Pinku Sardar and Arshad Molla, were caught by vigilant villagers who rushed to the victim’s cries for help. The locals thrashed the duo, tied them to a tree, and handed them over to the police. The third accused, Anowar Molla, managed to escape and remains absconding.
The incident, happening during one of Bengal’s most sacred festive nights, has triggered outrage across communities, drawing sharp political reactions and renewed debates over women’s safety in rural Bengal.
Kultali Gang Rape of Elderly Woman : Arrests and Legal Action
Both arrested men have been produced before a Baruipur court and remanded in seven days of police custody. Investigators are working to trace the absconding accused and collect material evidence to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
The charges against the accused fall under Section 376D (gang rape) of the Indian Penal Code, alongside provisions for criminal trespass, threats, and assault. Police sources confirmed that medical examination of the victim has been conducted and evidence secured.
Authorities have promised a fast-track trial, echoing the victim’s demand for “the harshest possible punishment” against the perpetrators.
Victim’s Account
Speaking with reporters and police, the elderly survivor recounted her ordeal:
- She described the men breaking into her home by tearing through the bamboo wall.
- They overpowered her, threatened her with violence, and carried out the assault.
- Before fleeing, they warned her of dire consequences if she informed the authorities.
Her testimony, supported by neighbours who came to her aid, forms the backbone of the ongoing investigation. Despite her trauma, the victim has shown remarkable courage, insisting that the criminals “should not be spared.”
Community Response
The Kultali community responded quickly when they heard the woman’s cries. Neighbours rushed in, caught two of the perpetrators, and ensured they were handed over to police. Their swift action not only prevented further harm but also ensured immediate accountability for part of the crime.
However, the incident has left residents shaken, raising concerns over night-time security, policing gaps, and the vulnerability of women in rural households.
Villagers have demanded:
- Increased police patrolling at night.
- Proper lighting in remote areas.
- Quick and public delivery of justice to restore faith.
Political Reactions
The case has quickly taken on political overtones:
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders in Kultali have denied any political links of the accused with the ruling party.
- Opposition parties BJP and CPI(M) have accused the ruling dispensation of presiding over a deteriorating law and order situation.
- CPI(M) veteran Kanti Ganguly remarked that even elderly women are not safe anymore in Bengal, calling it a shameful reflection of governance.
- BJP leaders argued that the state government’s focus on festival arrangements cannot hide the fact that basic women’s security remains ignored.
The politicization of the incident highlights how crimes against women often become part of Bengal’s larger political narrative.
Larger Context: Crimes Against Women in Bengal
This Kultali case is not an isolated incident. Crimes against women in Bengal have been a recurring concern, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data frequently showing the state among those with high numbers of reported cases of rape, trafficking, and sexual assault.
Notable past cases that drew national attention include:
- The 1990 Bantala case, where government officers were raped in South 24 Parganas.
- The Birbhum gang rape case (2013), which exposed village-level kangaroo courts enabling such crimes.
- Recent reports of minor girls raped and murdered in Kultali and adjacent regions, sparking repeated protests by women’s groups.
Such cases reveal systemic failures: inadequate policing in rural areas, social stigma around reporting, and political shielding of local offenders.
For detailed crime statistics, see the NCRB Crime in India Reports.
Challenges for Investigators
The Kultali case poses several hurdles for investigators:
- Tracking the absconding accused – Special police teams are deployed to trace Anowar Molla, who remains at large.
- Protecting the victim – Police must ensure her safety, given that threats were made.
- Forensic evidence – The bamboo structure’s breach and the rustic setting complicate proper forensic collection.
- Avoiding political interference – With political parties trading accusations, investigators must work transparently.
The West Bengal Police have assured that “no stone will be left unturned” to bring the culprits to justice. Updates are available through the West Bengal Police official website.
Legal & Victim Rights Framework
Under Indian law, victims of gang rape are entitled to:
- Immediate medical examination and treatment.
- Confidential handling of their identity.
- Free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
- Compensation from the state under victim compensation schemes.
- Fast-track court hearings to minimize delay.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 mandates stricter punishment for gang rape, including life imprisonment. In cases involving extreme brutality, the death penalty may also apply.
Further information is available at the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Commission for Women.
Social Impact and Preventive Measures
The Kultali gang rape case underscores urgent needs:
- Community policing in rural Bengal.
- Installation of street lighting and CCTV in vulnerable localities.
- Awareness campaigns to encourage reporting of crimes without stigma.
- Support groups and counselling for victims of sexual violence.
- Strengthened women’s helpline systems such as 1091.
Activists argue that prevention requires both social reform and systemic vigilance—with women’s dignity at the center of governance priorities.
Conclusion
The Kultali gang rape of an elderly woman on Ashtami night is a crime that has shaken Bengal’s conscience. The brutality inflicted on a senior citizen inside her own home highlights glaring failures in rural safety. While two accused have been arrested, justice will only be meaningful when the absconding perpetrator is captured, prosecuted, and punished under the harshest provisions of law.
For the people of Kultali, and indeed Bengal at large, this case is not just about punishing individuals but about ensuring that women—whether young or elderly—can live with dignity and safety.
The state must now rise to the occasion: deliver swift justice, strengthen law enforcement, and rebuild public confidence that crimes like these will not be tolerated in any corner of West Bengal.
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