Amid sexual harassment charges, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose shows CCTV footage to common people

The recent developments surrounding the molestation allegations against West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose have taken a significant turn, with Raj Bhavan releasing CCTV footage to address the accusations made by a woman contractual employee.

The footage, totalling over an hour, was shown to around 70 individuals on Thursday, including residents of West Bengal, but excluding politicians like Mamata Banerjee and her associated police force.

The footage displayed recordings from May 2, focusing on two cameras positioned at the North Gate of Raj Bhavan. One segment showed the woman in question during the specified timeframe of the incident. Notably, the footage did not include interior views or show Governor CV Ananda Bose within the premises during the alleged events.

Despite the release of the CCTV footage, which primarily depicted the woman’s movements within Raj Bhavan, Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya emphasised that the video essentially aligned with the woman’s account of events.

Also Read: Raj Bhavan employee alleges sexual harassment by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose

Governor Bose has dismissed the allegations as “engineered narratives”, criticising Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

In response, he instructed Raj Bhavan employees to disregard any communications from the police related to the matter, citing constitutional protections against criminal proceedings during his term in office as per Article 361 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have initiated investigations, forming a special team and summoning Raj Bhavan officials and police personnel for questioning in connection with the allegations.

The police have requested video evidence from the Raj Bhavan officer-in-charge regarding the incident to further their inquiry into the matter.

On May 2, A female employee working at the Raj Bhavan came forward with allegations of harassment against West Bengal Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose. The woman also filed a formal complaint with the Hare Street Police Station.

The timing of the allegations is significant as they come amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.