Brinda Karat condoles Park Street rape survivor's death

Kolkata, March 13 (IANS) Condoling the death of the Park Street rape survivor, CPI-M leader Brinda Karat on Friday said the woman's decision to reveal her identity resonated at a time when rape victims continued to be blamed for what happened to them.

In a statement, the politburo member also called upon West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure that the culprits were punished and to support the two school-going children of the victim who succumbed to encephalitis.

The 40-year-old from the Anglo-Indian community died early Friday following multiple organ failure while suffering from encephalitis.

Coming out of a night club in Park Street, the woman was allegedly raped at gunpoint inside a moving car in February 2012.

"Her decision to reveal her own identity rejecting the "Park Street victim" tag, with the words 'why should I hide my identity? I am not the criminal, I am fighting and I will fight (for justice)' resonates strongly today when victims continue to be blamed for what happened to them," the CPI-M leader added.

Karat said her shocking and sudden death would "sadden all those committed to the struggle against violence against women".

The mother of two revealed her identity in 2013 and marched on the streets of Kolkata to protest a series of rapes and murders in the state.

Pointing out to Banerjee's calling the incident "fabricated", Karat said: "Mamata Banerjee refused to apologise even after the police investigation subsequently substantiated charge of rape.

"With her death, it is incumbent on the West Bengal government to ensure that the accused are punished.

"The government should also take appropriate measures to support and help her school going children as she was the only breadwinner in the family," Karat added.