The alleged gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, has triggered massive outrage across the state, escalating into a fierce political battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The incident has reignited debate over women’s safety, accountability, and political sensitivity in the state, after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a controversial remark questioning why the victim was “out at 12:30 am.”
The student, reportedly from a private medical college in Durgapur, was allegedly assaulted by multiple men in a forested area near her institution. As police investigations continue and arrests are made, the political narrative has overshadowed the tragedy, with the BJP accusing the ruling TMC of victim shaming and failing to protect women, while the TMC has countered by accusing the opposition of politicising a sensitive issue.
BJP Hits Out at Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Insensitive’ Comment
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the media on Sunday, made remarks that sparked immediate backlash. “She was studying in a private medical college… all the private medical are whose responsibility? How they came out in the night at 12:30?… it happened, so far I know, in the forest area… investigation is on,” Banerjee said.
Her statement was seen by many as an attempt to blame the victim for being outside late at night. The BJP, opposition leaders, and women’s rights activists swiftly condemned the remark, accusing the Chief Minister of “victim shaming” and showing insensitivity toward women’s safety issues.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia took to social media to criticise Banerjee, calling her a “blot on womanhood.” He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Shameless @MamataOfficial, a blot on womanhood, even more for being a CM… After RG Kar and Sandeshkhali, now this horrific case of rape and instead of justice, she blames the victim.”
Similarly, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar questioned Banerjee’s repeated comments about restricting women’s freedom. “Earlier, after the RG Kar incident, her government asked private companies to reduce night shifts for women. Now she says girls shouldn’t go out at night. Does she want all women to wear burqas and stay at home?” he said.
NCW and Women’s Rights Activists Condemn Banerjee’s Remark
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also reacted strongly. NCW member Archana Majumdar labelled Banerjee’s remarks as “absurd” and out of touch with the modern realities of women’s empowerment.
“How can we say that after evening, women should stay locked in rooms? Women today work in hospitals, IT companies, law enforcement, and even the armed forces. They are representing India globally — in sports, science, and space. To tell them to stay indoors is unacceptable,” Majumdar said.
She added, “It is the duty of the Chief Minister to make the state safe for women, not to advise them to limit their movements. Such statements are regressive and hurtful.”
BJP West Bengal Secretary Priyanka Tibrewal echoed similar sentiments, accusing Banerjee of “insensitivity and victim blaming.” “Instead of directing police to catch the accused, she is again trying to shift the blame onto the victim. This reflects the government’s attitude towards women’s safety,” Tibrewal said.
Political and Legal Fallout Intensifies
The Durgapur gangrape case has quickly become a flashpoint in Bengal’s ongoing political war. The BJP has demanded strict action and accountability from the TMC government, alleging that law and order in the state has deteriorated significantly.
BJP MP Shankar Lalwani described the situation as “shameful” and accused the ruling party of neglecting women’s security. “The incident that happened in West Bengal is very shameful. Similar cases have occurred earlier as well. There is no law and order in the state. I strongly condemn it,” Lalwani told ANI.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that three accused have been arrested and produced before the court. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic and CCTV data being analysed to piece together the events leading up to the crime.
Mamata Banerjee Defends Herself, Says Words Were ‘Distorted’
Amid mounting criticism, Mamata Banerjee clarified her statement and accused the media of “distorting her words.” Speaking in Alipurduar, she said, “The media distorted my words. You ask me a question, I answer it, and then you twist it. Do not try this kind of politics.”
Her defence, however, has not calmed the outrage. Opposition leaders and activists insist that leaders must show empathy and avoid statements that appear to shift blame onto victims. The controversy has once again exposed the deep political divides in West Bengal and reignited debates over how women’s safety is addressed in Indian politics.
The Bigger Question: Women’s Safety and Accountability
Beyond politics, the Durgapur case highlights a grim reality — women’s safety in India remains a serious concern, especially in smaller cities and towns. Activists argue that comments from senior leaders should focus on systemic reforms, including better policing, education, and accountability.
Experts also point out that such incidents often become political battlegrounds, where the real issue — justice for the survivor — gets overshadowed by partisan blame games. The hope now lies in a transparent investigation and a collective effort from both ruling and opposition parties to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
