Parimal Dey, a renowned educationist from Alipuduar, has decided to return the prestigious Banga Ratna award conferred on him by the Bengal government in 2016.
Dey, 76, said his decision was a protest against the recent developments following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta.
It is the first time someone in the state has returned the award since its introduction on August 9.
“This is a call of the conscience and my way to support the countrywide movement that is taking place following the RG Kar incident,” said Dey.
Dey had received the award from chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the Uttar Banga Utsav in Siliguri in 2016. The award is given by the Bengal government to eminent personalities from different sectors of society. Besides a plaque, it consists of a cash reward of ₹1 lakh. Dey will be returning both.
He said he had nothing personal against Mamata. “I, however, do not support the manner in which the entire incident was handled by her,” said Dey who was critical of the way the RG Kar principal was swiftly reassigned to the Calcutta National Medical College.
Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar was transferred after the rape and murder of the doctor triggered widespread protests. There were also allegations that Ghosh was being shielded by the state government.
The Alipurduar teacher, however, added that his decision was not politically driven and clarified that he did not demand the chief minister’s resignation as he respected her for launching several social welfare schemes for the poor.
The BJP’s Bongaon MP and Matua community leader Shantanu Thakur on Sunday claimed that investigators in the RG Kar incident should also interrogate Mamata.
“We demand that the investigating agency should interrogate the chief minister and ask her why the body (of the victim) was cremated so fast and who has intervened to suppress the proofs,” Thakur, also a Union minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways, said at a meeting of Matua Mahasangha that was organised at Jalpaiguri Art Complex on Sunday.