Two more Kolkata Durga Puja committees reject state grant in protest over doctor's alleged rape-murder

NEW DELHI: Two additional Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have declined the Rs 85,000 grant offered by the West Bengal government, as a mark of protest against the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar hospital last month.
The Netaji Nagar Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee, which is celebrating its 75th year, announced its decision to forgo the state grant, citing the authorities' alleged negligence following the heinous crime on August 9.The committee informed local authorities of its refusal to accept the funds.
"We don't need any state grant for our puja this year. This decision has been taken to honour the sentiment and emotion of the people of our locality, including women. We will manage to deck up the pandal and do illumination with funds collected from the community and well-wishers," said a spokesperson from the committee.
Similarly, the Madhyapara Abahani Club in Behala, which is marking its 50th year, has also rejected the grant. The club plans to celebrate in a subdued manner as a show of solidarity.
"Our banners demand justice for the victim, and the deity will hold a symbolic spine of thermocol instead of a trident. We have decided to protest the state’s role after this ghastly crime that shook our conscience," a club representative said.
Earlier, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced the Rs 85,000 grant at a meeting in July. However, in addition to these two committees, several others have followed suit in protest, including four in Hooghly and one each in Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas. Out of 2,757 registered Durga Puja committees in and around Kolkata, 670 had applied for the state grant. West Bengal has approximately 30,000 community pujas.