West Bengal Police have reportedly confirmed the arrest of all five individuals accused in the alleged gangrape of a student at a private medical college in Durgapur. This development follows a significant controversy surrounding remarks made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who questioned why the survivor was out late at night.
Three suspects were initially taken into custody by the Bengal Police on Sunday. The victim, a second-year MBBS student from Jaleswar in Odisha, was allegedly attacked on Friday night while she was reportedly out with a friend for dinner. She is currently receiving medical treatment and has provided her statement to the police.
The incident has ignited a political firestorm in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s statement, asking about the student’s late-night presence outside the campus in a forest area, drew sharp criticism from the opposition. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused her of victim-blaming. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated, “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.”
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, questioning the Chief Minister’s stance and suggesting it implied women should remain indoors. Similarly, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju commented on the perceived media silence regarding Banerjee’s remarks, drawing a parallel to how such statements from a BJP chief minister would be received.
While Mamata Banerjee later clarified that her comments were misrepresented, the controversy highlights the sensitive nature of such incidents and the ensuing political discourse.