Kolkata, Nov 14 (IANS) A video purportedly showing West Bengal Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Umesh Rai warning anti-social elements against creating disturbances under the influence of alcohol has gone viral on social media.
However, IANS India could not independently verify the authenticity of the video and cannot vouch for its contents.
According to the video, Rai, who represents the Howrah Uttar Assembly constituency, has warned that anyone found disturbing public order after consuming alcohol or engaging in activities that threaten women’s safety would face stringent action. He reportedly went a step further, saying that anyone accused of molesting a woman, if the allegation is established through an investigation, would be driven out of the area.
The minister’s remarks, which came to light on Saturday, were reportedly made during a public meeting on Friday, where he addressed concerns over public safety and disturbances caused by intoxicated people in different parts of Howrah.
Drawing a distinction between personal freedom and public nuisance, Rai said he had no objection to people consuming alcohol at their homes, clubs, rooftops or designated places, provided they did not create trouble for others.
“Who is drinking and where he is drinking alcohol is completely his personal matter. I have no objection if someone drinks alcohol at his own expense in a club, at home, on a rooftop or at a specific place. The good or bad of one’s health is a personal responsibility of a person. But if a person drinks alcohol and goes out on the streets and creates ruckus and hooliganism, it will not be tolerated in any way,” the minister said, according to the video.
Women’s safety featured prominently in his address, with the minister urging residents, particularly women, to report incidents of harassment and molestation directly to him.
Issuing a stern warning to potential offenders, Rai reportedly said that if a woman complained of molestation and an investigation established the allegation, the accused would face such stringent action that he would be forced to leave the locality.
The minister’s remarks come amid complaints from residents about disturbances allegedly caused by people consuming alcohol in public places, particularly during the evening hours, in several neighbourhoods of the industrial town.
His statement has received support from several residents of North Howrah, with many welcoming his warning against public nuisance and offences targeting women.
Political observers believe the minister’s intervention is aimed at addressing public concerns over law and order and strengthening confidence among residents. However, the impact of the warning on street-level disturbances and women’s safety remains to be seen.
–IANS
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