The gang rape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, has sparked significant political backlash. The BJP has criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for its failure to ensure safety and has condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks suggesting that women should refrain from being out late. During her comments on the incident, Banerjee noted that the student attended a private medical college and questioned her being outside at 12:30 am, stating that the investigation was ongoing. These statements were met with swift criticism from opposition figures and activists, who labeled them as insensitive and accused her of blaming the victim.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia referred to Banerjee as a “blot on womanhood,” while Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar questioned her expectations of women staying indoors or wearing burqas. Archana Majumdar from the National Commission for Women also criticized the chief minister’s remarks as “absurd,” asserting that women should not be limited in their nighttime activities. BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal labeled Banerjee’s comments as “insensitive,” urging the chief minister to prioritize capturing the offenders instead of placing blame on the victim. Other BJP officials have condemned the TMC government, claiming that West Bengal is grappling with severe law and order challenges. In response to the backlash, Mamata Banerjee defended her statements, alleging that the media had twisted her words for political purposes.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three suspects in the case, who have been brought before the court.