West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark following the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur has stirred sharp criticism, after she advised that girls should not be allowed to step out of their colleges at night.
Banerjee, reacting to the shocking crime, said private medical institutions must also shoulder responsibility for their students’ safety. “I'm shocked to see the incident, but private medical colleges also should take care of their students, and especially girls. The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also. There is a forest area. Police are searching all the people,” she said while addressing the media on Sunday.
A second-year medical student from Odisha’s Jaleswar, studying in a private college in Durgapur, was allegedly gangraped late on Saturday evening. Her father said she had gone out with a classmate to eat when “two or three other men arrived and raped her”. He alleged that the classmate fled the scene, leaving her behind.
“At 10 PM, her friend called us and said that your daughter had been raped. We live in Jaleshwar. My daughter was studying here. Yesterday, one of her classmates took her out on the pretext of getting something to eat, but when two or three other men arrived, he abandoned her and fled. They raped her... This incident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. The hostel was far away, and she had come here to eat. The security arrangements are not sufficient... Such a serious incident occurred, but no action has been taken. There is no system here, no response...” the father told reporters.
Police confirmed the arrest of three accused in the case. “Three persons have been arrested so far. They have been forwarded to the Court today. Further investigation is ongoing, and everything is going according to the protocol. All investigation is taking place...” said Abhishek Gupta, DCP, Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate.
Banerjee condemned the assault and vowed stringent action. “Nobody will be excused. Whoever is guilty will be punished strictly. Three people have already been arrested. We will take stringent action... When it happens in other states, it is also condemnable,” she said.
Also read: Durgapur horror: 3 arrested over gang rape of medical student
The Chief Minister also drew comparisons with other states, questioning what she termed as selective outrage over crimes against women. “Three weeks ago, three girls were raped on the beach in Odisha. What action is being taken by the Odisha government? Such incidents have taken place in Manipur, UP, Bihar, Odisha; we also think the government must take stringent action there,” Banerjee said.
While the investigation continues, Banerjee’s remark advising colleges to restrict women’s movement at night has invited widespread criticism from rights groups and student organisations, who said the comment shifts the blame onto women rather than ensuring accountability and safety.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time when safety concerns in educational spaces have again drawn sharp public scrutiny. Women’s rights groups across Bengal have demanded fast-track proceedings and stronger campus security measures.
The West Bengal Police have urged citizens to promptly report crimes or harassment against women through the following helplines:
West Bengal Women Helpline (24x7): 1091
Kolkata Police Women’s Grievance Cell: (033) 2214 3024 / 2214 3230
Emergency Helpline: 100
National Women’s Helpline: 181
Authorities reiterated that all complaints would be handled confidentially and victims provided with necessary legal and medical assistance.
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