KOLKATA: A Kolkata-based Odissi dancer who had last Oct accused Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose and his nephew of rape has issued a statement categorically denying withdrawing the case but clarified that she did not actively want to “pursue” it either. That, she said, was because a protracted legal battle in the US – pending before the US vice-president and the Centre – was taking a toll on her health.
The statement was issued to senior TMC functionary Kunal Ghosh, who shared it on Facebook on Tuesday.
The dancer – who used to stay in the US – had accused the governor and his nephew of sexual abuse in a Delhi star hotel in Jan 2023. She moved back to Kolkata after getting embroiled in the legal issue. It was this legal issue that had prompted her to approach the governor, and even led her to travel to Delhi after she was promised help, she had earlier told police.
Based on her complaint, Kolkata Police had filed a zero FIR for rape and criminal conspiracy against the governor’s nephew (the governor may have constitutional immunity in such matters) and sent it to Delhi Police.
The Odissi performer’s statement categorically mentions that she has not withdrawn the complaint. She adds that she is fighting a very critical legal battle and “and along with it, my failing health, does not allow me to pursue the governor Bose related matter at this point”.
This development came in the backdrop of Bose shooting off complaints against Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal and DCP (Central) Indira Mukherjee to the Centre and state, seeking their removal for “misconduct”.
Ghosh posted the dancer’s statement – signed “Complainant (regarding Governor Bose January 2023 Delhi Taj Hotel matter)” – and said he personally knew her. “She had approached me to disseminate the correct information because there were some incorrect reports, quoting an unnamed MHA official, to the effect that she was withdrawing her case. The letter makes it clear that she is still the complainant, but because of some pressing legal issues involving the US and Indian govt, she is unable to pursue the case at this moment,” Ghosh said.
The statement was issued to senior TMC functionary Kunal Ghosh, who shared it on Facebook on Tuesday.
The dancer – who used to stay in the US – had accused the governor and his nephew of sexual abuse in a Delhi star hotel in Jan 2023. She moved back to Kolkata after getting embroiled in the legal issue. It was this legal issue that had prompted her to approach the governor, and even led her to travel to Delhi after she was promised help, she had earlier told police.
Based on her complaint, Kolkata Police had filed a zero FIR for rape and criminal conspiracy against the governor’s nephew (the governor may have constitutional immunity in such matters) and sent it to Delhi Police.
The Odissi performer’s statement categorically mentions that she has not withdrawn the complaint. She adds that she is fighting a very critical legal battle and “and along with it, my failing health, does not allow me to pursue the governor Bose related matter at this point”.
This development came in the backdrop of Bose shooting off complaints against Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal and DCP (Central) Indira Mukherjee to the Centre and state, seeking their removal for “misconduct”.
Ghosh posted the dancer’s statement – signed “Complainant (regarding Governor Bose January 2023 Delhi Taj Hotel matter)” – and said he personally knew her. “She had approached me to disseminate the correct information because there were some incorrect reports, quoting an unnamed MHA official, to the effect that she was withdrawing her case. The letter makes it clear that she is still the complainant, but because of some pressing legal issues involving the US and Indian govt, she is unable to pursue the case at this moment,” Ghosh said.