Over 200 rapes reported in Bengal in August, says Guv Dhankhar with 'statistics'; State dismisses claim

Posting a district-wise crime figure on Twitter, Dhankhar claimed that in August, 2020, more than 200 rape cases were reported from different districts of West Bengal which indicates a "worrisome state of crime against women".

"Rapes-223 and Kidnappings-639 in August 2020 as per official reports indicate worrisome state of crime against women- a cause of concern. Time to douse fire under feet and put law and order in place before attending flames elsewhere," Governor Dhankhar tweeted, tagging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police.

Hours later, calling the crime statistics shared by the Governor "baseless, ill-founded and misguiding", the West Bengal Home Department dismissed all the allegations.

It also stated that the crime figure tweeted by Jagdeep Dhankhar was not based on any official report, data or information, and completely incongruous with authentic facts and figures.

"Rajbhavan dissemination of WB "statistics" on rape and kidnapping is not based on any official report, data, or information. Allegations are baseless, ill- founded, and misguiding: totally incongruous with authentic facts and figures," state Home Department wrote on Twitter.

Replying to the state government's response, Dhankhar again claimed that the statistics of crime against women he shared on Twitter emanated from authentic reports officially sent to him from each of the divisions.

"Stunned @MamataOfficial terrible misrepresentation. Must apologetically withdraw and make amends. Statistics of  Rapes-223 and Kidnappings-639 in August 2020 emanate from authentic reports officially sent to me from each of Divisions. All figures after due diligence," Dhankhar tweeted.

"Both CS and ACS Home @MamataOfficial have been advised to forthwith make amends as such stance is unexpected - must forthrightly withdraw input. How ironical- Both DGP @WBPolice and ACS Home show defiance to directive to apprise on nosediving law and order and now such untruths," Governor wrote on Twitter.

"Those responsible for such outrageously incorrect assertions to run down a constitutional office will not be without consequences. Such stance in public interest cannot be countenanced. Action will surely ensue. Hope they are as quick with truth as with falsehood and make amends," he added.