Fresh allegations of gang rape have surfaced in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, triggering tension in the Harirampur area of South Dinajpur district and sparking a political confrontation.
According to the complaint, a housewife alleged that she was assaulted and raped by a group of miscreants after her husband was taken into police custody on Wednesday night. Police sources confirmed that an investigation has been initiated based on the victim’s statement, though no arrests have been made so far.
Local sources indicated that the incident may be linked to a long-standing dispute between the victim’s family and their neighbours over a recently constructed house. It is alleged that following a complaint by neighbours, police detained the woman’s husband. Soon after, a group of men reportedly entered the house, assaulted the woman, and committed the crime.
The incident has drawn sharp political reactions. Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar criticised the state government, alleging a breakdown of law and order and claiming that women were no longer safe even within their homes.
The victim has alleged that the accused are associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Meanwhile, District Congress President Gopal Deb assisted her in lodging a formal complaint with the police and submitting a written report to the Superintendent of Police.
However, the TMC has questioned the timing and authenticity of the allegations, suggesting that the issue is being politically amplified ahead of the elections. Party leaders also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in the complaint regarding the timeline of events.
With serious allegations on one side and counterclaims on the other, the incident has escalated into a political flashpoint. Police said the investigation is ongoing, even as tensions continue to rise in the area.
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