In a firm condemnation of the horrific gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student in Durgapur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday emphasised zero tolerance for such crimes, promising that no perpetrators would escape justice. Speaking amid rising public outrage and political finger-pointing, Banerjee clarified that her initial remarks had been deliberately twisted by opponents to shift blame onto the victim, insisting her words were a call for shared responsibility rather than victim-shaming.
The incident, which unfolded late Friday night in the industrial city of Durgapur, has sent shockwaves through the state. According to police reports, the 22-year-old victim, a student at a private medical college, was allegedly abducted near the campus premises around 12:30 a.m. while returning to the college. She was taken to a secluded spot, where she was brutally assaulted by a group of men before being dumped near the college gate in a traumatised state. Four suspects, including two college staff members and two locals with prior criminal records, have been arrested, with investigations ongoing to uncover any institutional lapses. The case has reignited debates on women's safety in educational hubs, drawing parallels to similar vulnerabilities in hostels and campuses across India.
Addressing the media in Kolkata, Banerjee expressed deep dismay over the assault, stating unequivocally, "It's a shocking incident. Nobody supports such a crime." She revealed that she had immediately directed the police to expedite the probe, adding, "I have spoken to the police, and no one will be spared. Stringent action will be taken." However, her comments took a contentious turn when she noted the timing and setting of the attack, saying, "You have to understand the police can't be there at every house. It’s a shocking incident. In Bengal we don’t take such crimes casually. Three people have been arrested, as per the statement of the student. But It's a private college; even they have some responsibility. How she came out at 12.30 am. It happened in a forested area. The private medical college should take care of the students, specially the girl child”. These lines quickly became fodder for criticism, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several media outlets portraying them as insensitive questioning of the victim's actions, implying she bore responsibility for venturing out late or that women should restrict their movements after dark. BJP leaders, including state president Sukanta Majumdar, lambasted the remarks as "victim-blaming" and a reflection of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's failure on law and order.
Banerjee swiftly pushed back against the narrative during her press interaction, asserting that her full statement had been "deliberately distorted" to fuel political agendas. She elaborated, "Everyone has the right to go wherever they want and whenever they want. But the college has some responsibility." Pointing to the institution's role in ensuring student safety, such as better lighting, security patrols, and she stressed that private entities cannot shirk accountability in loco parentis scenarios. To underscore her point, Banerjee referenced a recent triple rape case on a beach in Odisha, questioning, "A few days back, when three women were raped on the beach in Odisha, what action was taken? So let's not play politics."
The clarification appeared to temper some of the immediate backlash, with TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defending the chief minister by noting that her words were aimed at systemic reforms, not individual fault. Women's rights activists, while welcoming the arrests and promises of fast-track justice, called for broader measures like enhanced night surveillance in educational zones and gender-sensitivity training for campus security. The victim, currently receiving medical and psychological support, has been assured of comprehensive state assistance, including witness protection for her testimony.
