Diptimoy Ghosh,
Salt Lake City

Although our policy-makers and leaders make lofty claims about women’s safety in Calcutta, media reports indicate otherwise. Women themselves are the best judges. The earlier the administration takes off its rose-tinted glasses, the better.

Reuben Aron,
Wellesley Square

In spite of stray incidents of eve-teasing, molestation, rape or harassment, Calcutta is still a safer place for women, thanks mainly to the helpful local residents. The authorities would still do well to introduce regular patrolling near markets, cinema halls, schools and colleges. Traps should be laid near schools and colleges to catch eve-teasers and women should be trained to defend themselves.

Bhupen Bose,
Dum Dum Park

Other cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, with the exception of Delhi, are safer for women than Calcutta is. A large number of ruffians, snatchers, thieves, robbers, extortionists, drug addicts and pickpockets are running amuck in Calcutta, thus ruining the earlier sense of security among people here. Hoodlums haunt the neighbourhoods of girls’ schools. And because of them, women are forced to stay away from various parks and public gardens. The administration needs to take action against these goons.

Vinay Poddar,
Howrah

Safety of women in Calcutta is a two-way affair. During the day, women are definitely safer here, than in other major cities of India. But as the sun goes down, so does the protective cover, because women in Bangalore and Mumbai can venture alone on the streets with relatively more ease than their Calcuttan counterparts.

Madhabi D. Ghosh,
Salt Lake City

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s tall claim that our city is an oasis of peace seems to be totally out of sync with the reality. A few days ago, Purnima Advani, chairperson, National Women’s Commission vented her grievances on this issue. I feel threats to the security of women are increased by the present westernised trends of dressing, the current crop of Hindi movies, and sometimes even the body language of women themselves.

Dishari Gupta,
Kalyani

Women are definitely safer in Calcutta than in other cities. However, in many cases, girls are responsible for the trouble they find themselves in. If they wear skimpy clothes and indulge in wild ways, they can be blamed for inciting men. But Calcutta is still a haven because women here are more orthodox and less flamboyant in their lifestyle.

Sananda Sen,
New Alipore

Perpetrators of crime against women have the fear of the law in Calcutta. This fear of never-ending trials and subsequent punishment go a long way in curbing their actions. In other cities, offenders belong to the moneyed-class and more often than not, have strong political connections. This nexus with those in power shelters them even after they commit the most heinous of crimes.

Rajarshi Ghosh,
Surya Nagar

Women are not safe anywhere in India. But compared to other cities, I think women are safer in Calcutta, though the recent report of the women’s commission says otherwise. We must remember that many cases of crime against women go unreported. However, in Calcutta, women can travel safely late into the night. Even if they face problems sometimes, the frequency is less than in other cities.

Indranil Sanyal,
Dhakuria

No, women in Calcutta are not safe any more. Yet, compared to other metros, they find it comfortable to travel alone. In spite of many reported cases, the scenario is better in our city. However, that should be no reason for complacency.

Santosh Chakroborty,
Unique Park

By and large, women in Calcutta are safer than in other cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Bantala and similar incidents of violence were merely stray incidents. If women do not take too much to wild lifestyles, they have nothing to worry about in our city. Apart from the socio-cultural milieu, a woman’s discretion has an important part to play in ensuring her safety.

Tanmoy Das Lala,
Salt Lake

Calcutta is safer than other metropolitan cities in India. But the city’s safety cover is gradually slipping. Girls here should start carrying weapons for self-defence. This should be made compulsory in our city.

Sandhya Banerjee,
Salt Lake

With Calcutta becoming more cosmopolitan, the differences in financial conditions of citizens are becoming starker. Youngsters are becoming brash and our city is less safe in all respects. Women’s safety in Calcutta is no more than in other cities.

Suchismita Chakraborty,
Jadavpur

In Calcutta, more respect is given to women than in any other city. Moreover, women here are more concerned about their security.

P. Pramanik,
Santoshpur Avenue

A comparison with other cities is meaningless. If one is unsafe, it is no consolation if the situation is worse elsewhere.

Sounak Chakraborty,
Baranagar

Incidents of eve-teasing, rape, murder and torture of women are increasing in Calcutta of late. If such activities increase further, the earlier reputation of our city will be destroyed and it will become comparable with other cities notorious for crimes against women.