In a significant turn of events surrounding the Durgapur incident in West Bengal, the father of a 23-year-old medical student, who has alleged rape, has issued an apology to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He had previously drawn strong criticism by comparing her governance to that of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
Speaking to the media, the father stated, “Mamata Banerjee is like a mother-like figure to me. If I have said anything wrong, I ask her to forgive me. I will render countless obeisances at her feet. But I ask her to help my daughter get justice.” This appeal was reported by news agency PTI.
Shifting Stance on the Chief Minister
Previously, the father had expressed strong anger regarding Banerjee’s remarks that questioned why the student was out late at night. At that time, he had commented, “It seems Bengal is under the rule of Aurangzeb. I want to take my daughter back to Odisha. Her life comes first, career later,” indicating his desire to return to his home state.
He had also called for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a move that intensified the political debate surrounding the case.
Evolving Details of the Case
The father’s change in approach comes amid evolving details from the police investigation, which has reportedly found discrepancies in the 23-year-old MBBS student’s account. The student had alleged she was raped by multiple individuals after being taken to a forested area. This occurred after she left the private medical college campus with a male friend to get food on the evening of October 10.
However, the police have since arrested her male classmate, the sixth individual taken into custody. Authorities now suggest that the assault may have been carried out by a single perpetrator, as reported by HT. Police investigations also revealed significant inconsistencies in the classmate’s statements.
The current police assessment is that the crime was committed by one person, therefore classifying it as rape rather than gangrape. Additionally, CCTV footage reportedly shows the student returning to campus with her friend, with her clothes intact and walking calmly, without seeking assistance from security. Police noted that if she had been forcibly dragged through a jungle and gangraped, there would likely be evidence of such an ordeal.