Exploiting Tragedy: The Ethical Dilemma of Women Politicians

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 21^th August. In recent times, delicate issues like sexual assault against women and young children have transformed into battlegrounds for political maneuvering, with figures such as Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra seizing upon these heart-wrenching tragedies to castigate their adversaries.Top of FormBottom of Form While the need to address such grave matters is undeniable, the manner in which these issues are used for political leverage raises troubling ethical questions. Instead of fostering genuine reform and support, the exploitation of these tragedies often reduces them to mere tools for political gain. This approach not only diminishes the gravity of the incidents but also undermines the very principles of empathy and responsibility that should guide public service. As women politicians engage in this contentious arena, the line between advocacy and opportunism becomes increasingly blurred, reflecting a troubling trend that threatens the integrity of both politics and the causes they claim to champion.

Mahua Moitra has voiced sharp criticism against the Maharashtra government over the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) in the case of the sexual assault of two kindergarten students in Badlapur. The assault, involving two young girls aged three and four, took place inside a school and has triggered widespread protests and public outrage in the region.

Taking to social media platform X, Moitra highlighted the contrasting responses of law enforcement agencies in two separate cases of violence against women and children. She drew a comparison between the Maharashtra Police’s delayed reaction to the Badlapur assault and the swift action taken by the Kolkata Police in the gruesome rape-murder of a postgraduate woman trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Moitra noted that while the Kolkata Police arrested the accused within hours, the Maharashtra Police “refused” to register an FIR for days.

“RG Kar case had videographed autopsy and Kolkata Police arrested accused within hours. In Maharashtra, police refused to file FIR for days. This is the real non-democratic alliance,” Moitra tweeted on Wednesday.

The incident in Badlapur occurred on August 13 but only came to light three days later when one of the victims refused to attend school and disclosed the sexual assault to her parents. Despite this, an FIR was filed 12 hours after the parents lodged a formal complaint. The delay in action has sparked public anger, leading to violent protests in the town. In response, locals vandalized the school, disrupted train services, and clashed with the police. The situation escalated to the point where the police resorted to lathi-charge, and internet services were temporarily shut down.

In stark contrast, the rape-murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, which has similarly ignited nationwide protests, saw a more immediate reaction from authorities. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was arrested a day after the victim’s body was found inside the hospital campus. Despite this, the Bengal government’s handling of the case has come under severe criticism. The FIR for the RG Kar incident was reportedly registered at 11:45 pm, despite the discovery of the body earlier in the day. There have also been allegations that the hospital initially attempted to frame the case as a suicide and delayed handing over the body to the victim’s family.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the RG Kar case, rebuking the Bengal government for its shortcomings in handling the investigation and failing to prevent vandalism at the hospital.

Public Outcry and Political Repercussions

Both the Badlapur and RG Kar cases have stirred intense public reactions, sparking nationwide debates on the efficiency and accountability of law enforcement agencies. Moitra’s statement underscores the broader frustration that citizens feel toward systemic delays and failures in protecting the vulnerable. Her criticism of the Maharashtra government is particularly pointed, framing the police’s delayed response as emblematic of the wider issues with the governance of the state.

However, the juxtaposition with the Kolkata Police’s swift action raises further questions about the politicization of such incidents. While the Trinamool Congress praises the Kolkata Police’s quick action, the Bengal government is facing its own wave of criticism for its handling of the RG Kar case. This demonstrates that failures in the justice system are not confined to one region or political party, but are part of a larger national crisis.

Conclusion: The Dark Side of Political Exploitation

In today’s politically charged environment, figures like Mahua Moitra often find themselves at the center of controversies surrounding sensitive issues like child sexual assault. While these cases undoubtedly require attention and action, using them as political ammunition raises serious ethical concerns. The act of politicizing such tragedies, especially those involving innocent children, speaks to the erosion of compassion and responsibility in modern politics.

When women politicians like Moitra turn to these deeply painful incidents for political gain, it tarnishes not only their reputation but also the essence of womanhood and motherhood they are expected to uphold. Instead of uniting for justice and reform, such leaders exploit trauma for personal or party benefits, reducing the gravity of the situation to a mere political tool. This behavior not only harms the victims and their families but also undermines the dignity of the larger struggle for women’s rights.

Rather than playing this “dirty game,” leaders—especially women in positions of influence—should channel their platforms to drive systemic changes, ensure swift justice, and advocate for policies that protect children. Exploiting the pain of vulnerable families for political mileage is a disservice to the cause of justice and a blemish on the legacy of women leaders. It is crucial for women in politics to rise above opportunistic tactics and truly embody the values of empathy, nurturing, and fairness that come with leadership.