Controversy Over Kolkata's 'Safest City' Status: RG Kar Victim's Parents Challenge NCRB Report

The father of the RG Kar Medical College rape victim has vehemently disputed the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report that designates Kolkata as India's safest city, asserting it fails to reflect reality on the ground.

He criticized the methodology behind the report, claiming it was compiled based on administrative documents rather than actual safety conditions experienced by residents.

"The National Crime Bureau published a report stating Kolkata is India's safest city. However, those who prepared this report didn't consider ground realities; they depended entirely on paperwork. In Kolkata, approximately 90 percent of incidents never make it to official FIR records. At our local Gola police station, a girl was severely beaten, yet this remains unknown. This occurred three months ago, and similar incidents happen daily throughout Kolkata without publicity. Even a six-month-old infant isn't safe here. The Bureau's report, created from office desks, remains disconnected from reality. Educated individuals in our nation are misleading the public. No one in Kolkata is safe—neither men nor women," he stated.

The mother of the RG Kar Medical College victim shared her profound sorrow and frustration regarding security inadequacies in Kolkata, saying, "With proper security measures, my daughter, a doctor, would have remained safe within her hospital. She was brutally attacked and killed, with her body discovered inside the hospital, yet the complete truth remains concealed. Such injustices occur regularly. I believe approximately 200 similar incidents have happened within a year. These occurrences affect law colleges and multiple locations daily. Security is nonexistent; safety is compromised. Even when incidents are reported, they aren't properly addressed due to pervasive corruption. These problems have persisted for years. For our family, it's been fourteen months of suffering. Whenever such incidents occur, we attempt intervention, but the system consistently fails us."

On Saturday, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) announced that Kolkata had been designated India's safest city for the fourth consecutive year.

Emphasizing the city's dedication to care, compassion, and community, this achievement is attributed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

AITC shared on X: "For the fourth consecutive year, Kolkata has been named India's safest city. A city that prioritizes care, compassion, and community, led by our Hon'ble CM @mamataofficial who believes safety is service."

According to the NCRB report, Kolkata has again been declared India's safest city. With just 83.9 cognizable offenses per one lakh population, Kolkata reports the lowest crime rate among 19 major Indian cities with populations exceeding 20 lakh.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma praised this achievement, stating, "This represents extremely positive news. Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police consistently strive to ensure citizen safety and maintain a crime-free state."

While acknowledging occasional deficiencies, he highlighted the collective efforts of the entire police force, supported by a cooperative and law-abiding public.

Verma recognized junior-level field officers, behind-the-scenes personnel, and middle and senior leadership for their vigilance and implementation of modern technologies.

"The secret lies in continuous efforts to enhance policing, learn from failures, value public opinions, and remain receptive to change. There's no substitute for hard work and discipline, and no shortcuts to success. Policing never functions as an individual effort; it's always teamwork. Every man and woman in uniform makes a difference," he concluded.