Kolkata: The family of a 23-year-old MBBS student, gang-raped in West Bengal’s Durgapur, has contradicted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks suggesting the survivor had left her college campus late at night. The official complaint filed by the woman’s father clearly states the assault occurred around 8 PM, not 12:30 AM as claimed by the Chief Minister.
The second-year student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was out with a friend when a group of men allegedly abducted her and raped her in a secluded area near the medical college.
In her initial reaction, Mamata Banerjee had questioned how the student managed to be out at 12:30 AM and appeared to shift responsibility onto the private college. “She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night?” she said, adding that private institutions should monitor students and the “culture at night,” particularly since the area is forested.
These comments triggered a political firestorm, with opposition parties accusing Banerjee of victim-shaming and evading government responsibility.
A state opposition MLA strongly condemned Banerjee’s remarks, comparing the situation in Bengal to Taliban rule. “Are you saying we will be raped if we step out after midnight?” she asked.
Another opposition leader said, “This mindset goes against the legacy of India’s reformers. Men and women are equal. Mamata Banerjee always blames women whether it was Park Street, Sandeshkhali, or now this case.”
Party spokespersons also weighed in, with one calling Banerjee “a blot on womanhood” and another accusing her of defending rapists and blaming victims.
In response to the backlash, Banerjee accused the media of twisting her words. “My words were deliberately distorted. I was asked a question, and my answer was taken out of context. Don’t play such dirty politics with me,” she said.
The survivor’s father said he no longer feels safe keeping his daughter in Bengal and plans to move her back to Odisha. “My daughter is in pain. She can’t walk, she’s bedridden. They could kill her here any moment. Trust has been broken. She will now pursue her education in Odisha,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Chief Minister of Odisha had spoken to him and assured full support. “The administration is helping us. I’ve requested that my daughter be allowed to continue her studies in a medical college in Odisha.”
Police Action and Investigation
Police have arrested three accused: Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), and Sekh Reajuddin (31). A fourth individual, the male friend who was with the victim at the time of the incident, is also under scrutiny, according to investigating officials.
In a public statement, police expressed solidarity with the survivor and her family, stating they are “deeply saddened” and will ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
The Chief Minister of Odisha condemned the assault and urged the Bengal government to take “exemplary legal action.” He also directed officials to provide every possible assistance to the victim’s family.
The Durgapur case has reignited public anger over West Bengal’s handling of sexual violence. It comes a year after the rape and murder of a doctor at a medical college in Kolkata and follows a recent rape case involving a law student in the city.
Critics point to a pattern of administrative failures and controversial public remarks from the Chief Minister in previous sexual assault cases. Many have called for her resignation, accusing her of failing to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the state.
