After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the recent Durgapur gang rape incident — suggesting that girls should not leave campus late at night — triggered widespread criticism and political controversy, the Chief Minister has now claimed that her words were deliberately distorted for political gain.
The controversy began when Mamata, before flying to flood-hit North Bengal on Sunday, questioned the responsibility of the private medical college where the incident took place. She asked how the student was allowed to leave the campus late at night, triggering sharp reactions from political opponents and women’s rights groups.
Facing backlash, the Chief Minister addressed the issue saying, “My words have been distorted,” she said, visibly upset. “Instead of saying ‘I eat rice,’ they are saying ‘I am rice.’ Don’t try to play politics with me.”
She further alleged that certain journalists and political figures were misrepresenting her comments for personal or political advantage. “I also agree that many don’t do this, but some create questions and answer them themselves,” she said, indirectly hinting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to sources.
However, the opposition has remained firm in its criticism. State Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari took to social media, calling Banerjee’s statement — that “girls should not go out at night” — a reflection of a “mediaeval mentality”. He asserted that the Chief Minister’s words were not distorted, claiming, “We have the video as evidence.” Adhikari accused the state government of engaging in “victim shaming” to cover up its failure in ensuring women’s safety in West Bengal.
Also Read: 3 arrested for gang rape of medical student in Durgapur
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister earlier in the day warned that no negligence would be tolerated in the ongoing investigation. She directed both the administration and the college authorities to act strictly against those responsible.
Police have so far arrested three individuals — Sheikh Riazuddin, Sheikh Firdous, and Appu — and detained another youth in connection with the alleged gang rape of a medical student at a private medical college in Durgapur. The arrested accused were produced before the court on Saturday and remanded to 10 days of police custody as the investigation continues.
The incident and the subsequent political uproar have once again put the spotlight on women’s safety and the handling of such cases in West Bengal.
Also Read: Girls should not go out at night: Mamata on Durgapur gang-rape
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