Mamata Banerjee Sparks Outrage With Remarks After Durgapur Gangrape
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has triggered nationwide outrage with her comments in the aftermath of the brutal gangrape of a 23-year-old MBBS student in Durgapur. Instead of focusing on the investigation and justice for the survivor, Banerjee appeared to shift the responsibility for student safety onto private medical colleges, raising questions about why the young woman was “out at 12.30 am.”
The second-year medical student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was reportedly assaulted by a group of men late Friday night after she had gone out with a friend. The incident has shocked both West Bengal and Odisha, reviving concerns about women’s safety in educational institutions across India.
Chief Minister’s Controversial Remarks Draw Backlash
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Banerjee said, “She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 am?” Her statement, which many viewed as an attempt to blame the survivor, has been widely condemned by women’s rights groups, students, and opposition parties.
Banerjee went on to add that private colleges should be responsible for their students’ welfare and “the culture at night,” suggesting that such institutions should not allow students to step out late. Critics have slammed this as an example of “victim blaming” and “moral policing” rather than addressing the systemic failures that lead to such crimes.
Opposition parties, including the BJP and the Left, have accused the Chief Minister of insensitivity. “Instead of questioning the girl, she should be asking how law and order failed again in Bengal,” said BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya. Activists have also pointed out that Banerjee’s comments undermine the freedom and dignity of women by implying that victims are responsible for violence committed against them.
Once again CM Mamata Banerjee indulges in victim shaming and blaming
"The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night," said CM #MamataBanerjee on gangrape of an MBBS student in Durgapur.
Instead of standing with the Beti
She blames the Beti and defends… pic.twitter.com/YjRWkPeU37— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 12, 2025
Police Assure Swift Action, Three Arrested
According to the Durgapur police, three men — identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), and Sekh Reajuddin (31) — have been arrested in connection with the case. Another person, the male friend who was with the survivor at the time, is being questioned. Police officials have promised a thorough probe and assured that justice will be delivered.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the West Bengal Police said they were “deeply saddened” by the incident. “The pain of the victim is as much ours as it is Odisha’s. We will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the post read.
The survivor, who is currently bedridden, remains under medical supervision. Her father has expressed anguish over her condition and announced his decision to move her back to Odisha. “My daughter is in pain and cannot walk. I don’t feel safe letting her stay here any longer,” he told reporters.
Odisha CM Extends Support To Survivor’s Family
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi has condemned the assault, calling it “highly condemnable and painful.” He said his government was in touch with West Bengal authorities and would provide full assistance to the victim’s family. “I strongly urge the West Bengal Chief Minister to ensure exemplary punishment for the culprits,” Manjhi stated. He also promised to help the survivor secure admission in a medical college in Odisha to continue her studies.
The case has revived painful memories of the 2024 Kolkata RG Kar Medical College rape and murder of a doctor, which had sparked massive protests across Bengal. Just months ago, another sexual assault case at a Kolkata law college had drawn similar outrage over safety lapses and administrative negligence.
Calls For Accountability And Safer Campuses
Women’s groups and student bodies across the country have demanded accountability from both the state government and educational institutions. They argue that blaming victims for being outdoors at night reflects deep-rooted societal prejudices rather than genuine efforts to ensure safety.
Social media has been flooded with criticism of Banerjee’s remarks, with hashtags like #StopVictimBlaming and #JusticeForDurgapurStudent trending. Many users have pointed out that freedom of movement is a fundamental right and that safety should not depend on the time of day or night.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on justice for the survivor and a broader demand for reforming campus safety policies. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Banerjee’s comments has added fuel to an already volatile political atmosphere, raising serious questions about the state’s commitment to women’s rights and security.
