In a stark protest against the perceived deteriorating law and order in West Bengal, BJP workers on Tuesday (October 14, 2025) launched a unique initiative. They distributed packets of red chili powder to women, advocating for self-defense in the wake of a recent horrific gang rape involving a medical student in Durgapur.
Dubbed ‘Operation Lal Mirch’ (Operation Red Chilli), this campaign saw women BJP members actively distributing chili powder packets to female commuters near a Salt Lake metro station. The message was clear: these packets were intended as an immediate tool for personal protection.
One female BJP activist emphasized, “We are empowering mothers and sisters with these packets so they can safeguard themselves. The core message is self-reliance – using red chili powder or pepper sprays if absolutely necessary.” Protesters also highlighted that the Chief Minister’s reported advice for women to avoid going out late at night effectively acknowledged the state government’s inability to guarantee their safety.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, later clarified that her statements had been “deliberately distorted.”
Another protester vehemently stated, “In the year 2025, it’s unacceptable to suggest that women should not be out late at night.”
An IT professional voiced her concern, remarking, “The situation is truly alarming. If our own woman Chief Minister advises women against late-night outings, how are we supposed to work? My office hours often stretch until 10:30 p.m. What are my options? Perhaps the Chief Minister should instead arrange for work-from-home facilities.”
The tragic incident that sparked these protests involved a 23-year-old medical student from Odisha, studying at a private college in Durgapur, Paschim Bardhaman district. She was brutally gang-raped by several men while out for dinner with a friend on Friday night (October 10, 2025).
While the Chief Minister condemned the incident as “shocking” and reaffirmed her government’s zero-tolerance policy for such offenses, she had also advised female hostel residents, particularly those from outside the state, to strictly follow hostel regulations and avoid going out late. She reportedly stated that police cannot be stationed outside every home, simultaneously urging educational institutions to prioritize student safety on and near their campuses.