BJP, CPM candidates fuel justice movement in Bengal with daughters’ murder cases
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Election campaigns in the eastern Indian state of Bengal have taken a personal turn, with two women from rival parties at the forefront of the competition.
Ratna Debnath, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, and Sabina Yasmin, a Left-leaning CPM-backed contender, are both fighting for a common cause – justice for their daughters, whose brutal murders in 2018 remain unsolved.
Updated: April 26, 2026
Election campaigns in the eastern Indian state of Bengal have taken a personal turn, with two women from rival parties at the forefront of the competition. Ratna Debnath, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, and Sabina Yasmin, a Left-leaning CPM-backed contender, are both fighting for a common cause – justice for their daughters, whose brutal murders in 2018 remain unsolved.
Ratna Debnath’s 17-year-old daughter, Sagarika, and Sabina Yasmin’s 19-year-old daughter, Rumki Das, were hacked to death in separate incidents in the districts of Howrah and Jalpaiguri, respectively. The gruesome killings sent shockwaves across Bengal, raising questions about the state’s ability to protect its citizens, particularly women. Both mothers have been vocal about their quest for justice, with Debnath repeatedly slamming the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for its alleged failure to crack the case.
The murder of Sagarika, a student, drew widespread condemnation, with the police facing criticism for their slow response and alleged mishandling of evidence. The case has seen multiple twists and turns, with several low-ranking officials being suspended and later reinstated. Despite the investigation being ongoing for over four years, the main accused remains at large, fuelling Debnath’s determination to ensure justice for her daughter.
Sabina Yasmin’s daughter, Rumki, was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, who then took his own life. However, the police have been accused of botching the investigation, allowing the prime suspect to go unpunished. Yasmin, a schoolteacher, has been at the forefront of the protests against the Trinamool Congress, calling for a thorough inquiry and accountability.
The high-profile campaign against the TMC has sent shockwaves through the party, with allegations of corruption and inefficiency flying thick and fast. The BJP, sensing an opportunity to make inroads in the state, has aggressively pushed the narrative of a failed Trinamool Congress, with Debnath and Yasmin as the poster girls for change.
As the Bengal elections approach, Debnath and Yasmin’s candidatures have raised the stakes for their respective parties. For the BJP, it is an opportunity to tap into the widespread discontent with the Trinamool Congress and consolidate its position as a major player in Bengal politics. For the CPM, Yasmin’s candidacy presents a chance to counter the BJP’s narrative of a failed Trinamool Congress and demonstrate its own commitment to fighting for justice and accountability.
Both Debnath and Yasmin have vowed to take their fight to state and national institutions, if elected. Their presence in the election campaign has set off a chain reaction, with thousands of people demanding action on the Bengal murders.
This election in Bengal is not just about the state’s politics; it is also a referendum on the government’s ability to protect its citizens, particularly women. The case of Sagarika and Rumki has sparked a national debate about the need for change in the way the state handles crime and ensures justice.
In the aftermath of the election, it is possible that the focus on justice for Sagarika and Rumki will be lost amid the noise of politics. However, the momentum generated by their story could lead to meaningful reforms in the way the state polices, investigates, and prosecutes crimes, setting a new standard for accountability.
Ultimately, this election is a defining moment for Bengal, with the state’s people, especially women, looking to the next government to deliver justice and safety. The quest of Ratna Debnath and Sabina Yasmin has galvanized a movement, forcing the state and national governments to sit up and take notice. As the results come in, one thing is clear – the people of Bengal will not soon forget the names of Sagarika and Rumki, the two teenagers whose brutal murders have sparked a revolution in the demand for justice.
The Bengal elections have turned personal, with two mothers-turned-candidates using their daughters' unsolved murders as a rallying cry for justice, forcing both the state and national governments to confront their shortcomings in protecting citizens, especially women. This unlikely pair has given a voice to the silent majority, and the outcome of the election will be a testament to whether the demand for accountability will prevail over the usual politicking
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