Brutal acts of rape and murder continue to plague India have and which have, tragically, become a recurring narrative. While such heinous crimes are disturbingly frequent, the involvement of high-profile politicians in these cases draws intense scrutiny. After the nationwide outrage against the December 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder, the execution of the four accused in the infamous case on March 20, 2020, was seen as a significant moment in India’s battle against sexual violence. However, despite this severe punishment, the deterrent effect on criminals has been disappointingly limited, with numerous atrocities continuing to occur. One particularly shocking case is the recent rape and murder of a female medical intern at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The case has garnered substantial media attention, not only because of the brutality of the crime but also due to the alleged involvement of individuals close to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), including those connected to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The intersection of crime and politics in such cases often undermines the pursuit of justice, as those with influence may evade accountability. The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to attempt at dislodging the ruling TMC government by exploiting the outrage in West Bengal. However as per records, the BJP is no saint when it comes to sexual offences against women. This reflect a systemic failure to protect women and ensure justice starkly reflected in the data provided by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Their findings reveal that a significant number of politicians, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), have declared criminal cases related to gender violence. Maharashtra tops the list, followed closely by West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerges as the party with the highest number of MPs and MLAs facing charges of crimes against women, with other major parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and TMC not far behind. The ADR analyzed 4,845 out of 4,896 election affidavits to arrive at these alarming statistics. Of the 1,580 MPs and MLAs with declared criminal cases, 48 have charges specifically related to crimes against women. Disturbingly, these candidates are not only allowed to contest elections but are often prioritized by their parties, indicating that electoral success is often valued above ethical considerations. Major General Anil Verma (retd), the head of ADR, expressed dismay at this trend, particularly highlighting the contradiction in parties led by women, such as TMC and BSP, endorsing candidates with such charges. Despite the grave nature of these offenses, 327 candidates with pending cases of crimes against women were fielded by recognized political parties in recent elections. The persistence of this issue underscores a deep-rooted problem within the political system, where the protection of women and the upholding of justice are frequently sacrificed for political gain. The case of the female medical intern in Kolkata, with its political entanglements, serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle to hold perpetrators accountable, particularly when they are shielded by power and influence.