Sonagachi: Attack on President,DMSC-a follow-up report

[Guest guest]

Dear friends,

First of all, allow me on behalf of Durbar, to express our sincere gratitude for

your support and response in protest against the incidence of attack on Ms.

Swapna Gayen, the President of Durbar and Ms. Rekha Lodh. Your cooperation,

above all others, has given us tremendous mental strength that is so desired in

these situations.

I would like to take the opportunity to place a brief updated report on the

happenings after 6th October. Protesting against the atrocious act of violence

on Swapna, we organised a protest rally on 8th October from the heart of the

incident i.e. the Tollygunge red light area and walked to the local Police

Station, where our voice of protest and the demand for immediate action was

strongly put up. The rally was constituted of above 3000 sex workers and members

of DMSC from entire West Bengal. Probably, as a result of the rally, within the

next few days, one of the absconding criminals, Labu, was arrested and weapons

and drugs were also reportedly seized from the area. The area was raided by the

Kolkata Police (West Bengal Police – who are actually in-charge of the area,

strangely remained silent) and the racket of baiting and illegal liquor that

were run by the hooligans, were smashed down. Within another few days another of

the fugitive, Panchu, was also arrested.

But, one of the prime accused Lal was still absconding and the police could do

no more. The baiting and the sell of illegal liquor (Cholai Mod) were also

resumed. Moreover, threats to the staffs and members of our organisation were at

full flow. A press conference was called on 28th October, in the presence of

many intellectuals and our members and friends, where the press was informed

about the happenings and the underlying politics of it all. Their cooperation

was asked for and many of them responded positively.

On 29th October, a Mass Deputation was put up right at the mouth of the den of

the criminals i.e. again at Tollygunge. The objective – to demand immediate

arrest of all the criminals and to bring to the forefront, for the knowledge of

the entire society, the continuing acts of torture on the sex workers and the

neutral role of the administration. About Two thousand of us were present the

whole day (12 hours i.e. 8.00 am to 8.00 pm) at a busy street crossing in the

Tollygunge area. We were supported by many intellectuals and leaders from

various Trade Unions and NGOs. About twenty thousand leaflets were also

distributed among the onlookers and passers bys, which contained the gist of all

that we are fighting for.

Yet, Lal remains untouched and obviously, the rackets of baiting, Cholai and

drugs (ganja), the prime source of financial power to the criminals are at full

swing. On the other hand, Ms. Swapna Gayen and Ms. Rekha Lodh with their

families still remain homeless…in a never-ending search for a ‘safe shelter’ and

the staff and members of Durbar live under constant threat against their lives

by the powerful anti-socials.

Yet again, I on behalf of Durbar ask your cooperation in the matter, as you have

previously provided and to come up with whatever suggestions that you may have

for us. Please tell us what you feel would be the appropriate strategy on our

part to curb the roots of these sort of violence. It would also be highly

appreciative of you if you could organise some sort of programmes at your region

so as to stand by the interests of the sex workers, a highly marginalized

community.

Yours in solidarity

Angura Begum, Secretary, DMSC

e-MAIL: <sonagachi@...>

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