We Salute your Courage.... Smt. Swapna Dey of Santragachi

আমরা আপনাকে আমাদের শ্রদ্ধা ও প্রনাম জানাই। আপনার ঢ্রিরতা ও সাহস এর সমক্ষ আমরা নতমস্তক এবং আনুপ্রানিত।          

 

Please accept our humble respect. We are honoured and made proud by your dauntless courage and determination. We remain indebted for your inspiration...And Look upon you as a role model in the league of valiant men and women, who can rid us of our cowardice that has become synonymous to our race to the point of a legend in these turbulent times...!!!

The Telegraph

Kolkata

Wednesday 14 September,2011

A 45-year-old woman was kicked and hit with iron rods and her daughter’s dress ripped open in public for daring to lead a campaign that got the owner of a hooch den next door arrested.

Swapna Dey, a resident of the railway quarters near Santragachhi station, is in a Howrah hospital with multiple injuries to show for her spunk. Daughter Moumita, 25, is in shock and scared for her family.

                                                                                                          

The reprisal came on Monday evening within hours of the accused, 55-year-old Sheikh Ansar Ali, and his lackey, “Garage” Bapi, being granted bail. Neither participated in the assault, but Ansar’s younger son allegedly made sure the manner of revenge pleased his father.

Ansar’s arrest was the outcome of a crusade by Swapna, her daughter and other women of the railway colony. The group had organised a signature campaign after repeated police complaints failed to elicit a response.

Swapna was apparently targeted because of her letter to Howrah police commissioner Ajey Ranade on September 4 and a visit to minister Roy.

Deputy commissioner of excise R.N. Ghosh said hooch was hard to eliminate. “We conduct raids 20 days a month and destroy at least five dens a day, but they spring right back. Those who run these places have political connections.”

 (excerpts only)