Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ignited a political firestorm with her remarks on the alleged gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student in Durgapur, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and the public.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Banerjee stated, “A girl should not be allowed to go out at night,” while also asserting that the incident, which occurred at a private medical college, was not directly the government’s responsibility. “The college authorities should have ensured her safety,” she added.
The horrifying assault occurred late Friday night near Shobhapur, approximately 170 km from Kolkata, when the student, a second-year MBBS scholar from Jaleswar, Odisha, was returning from dinner with a friend. Police reports indicate that three men confronted her, snatched her phone, dragged her to a nearby wooded area, and allegedly raped her, later demanding money for the return of her phone.
The West Bengal Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects and are actively pursuing two more. A senior officer told PTI, “We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case.” Durgapur Commissionerate DC (East) Abhishek Gupta added that a forensic team will collect evidence, and CCTV footage from the vicinity is under review.
The incident has reopened public anger, drawing parallels to last year’s RG Kar Medical College rape case. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari led protests, criticizing the Mamata Banerjee government for the “deteriorating law and order situation” and personally contacted the victim’s father to assure support in seeking justice.
