Durgapur MBBS Student Gang-Rape Case Sparks Political Firestorm in Bengal

Kolkata, Oct. 13 — The alleged gang-rape of a 23-year-old MBBS student in Durgapur has ignited a fierce political confrontation in West Bengal, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of distorting facts and mishandling the case.

BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya, in a post on X, alleged that Banerjee had “misled the public” by claiming the victim was outside her college campus at 12:30 a.m. Malviya cited records from IQ City Medical College and Hospital stating that the student had, in fact, left at 8 p.m.

“The truth is that, as per the college records, the girl went out at 8 p.m., which is a decent hour by any standard,” Malviya wrote, accusing the Chief Minister of deflecting blame onto the private institution while ignoring the failure of law enforcement.

He further alleged that the area surrounding the college has long been unsafe due to poor lighting and inadequate policing.

“The police failed to secure the area, leading to this tragedy,” he stated, adding that Banerjee’s response appeared politically motivated.
“It wouldn’t be surprising if she negotiates with community leaders to dilute the case for electoral gains. For Mamata Banerjee, every woman’s life and dignity come second to her political interests,” Malviya claimed.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari posted on X,

“Mamata Banerjee’s lie caught on Durgapur! She said the girl shouldn’t have been out at 12:30 a.m., but records confirm the horrific crime occurred around 8 p.m. Instead of ensuring women’s safety, she has compromised the dignity of Bengal’s daughters. She must resign as Home Minister and Chief Minister.”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is expected to visit Durgapur on Monday, October 13, to meet the victim’s family and local authorities.

CM Banerjee Faces Backlash Over Remarks

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s initial comments on the incident have drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and women’s rights activists, who accused her of “victim-blaming.”

Addressing the media earlier, Banerjee expressed deep shock over the crime and confirmed the arrest of three suspects, assuring that “strict action will be taken against all culprits.” However, her remark questioning “how the victim was allowed to leave campus at 12:30 a.m.” and advising that “girls should also protect themselves” sparked outrage across political and civil circles.

“The private institution should not allow it… girls should not leave campus at night like this,” Banerjee had said, appearing to shift partial responsibility onto the college administration and the victim herself.

Following the backlash, Banerjee defended her statement, alleging that her comments were being “deliberately distorted” for political gain.

“You ask me a question, and when I answer, my words are twisted and taken out of context. Unlike others, I speak directly,” she said.

Reaffirming her government’s stance, Banerjee added that West Bengal maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women.

“The police acted swiftly in the Durgapur case, and justice will be delivered,” she said, noting that her administration had previously ensured death penalties in similar cases.

Political Fallout

The Durgapur incident has quickly escalated into a major political flashpoint in West Bengal. The BJP continues to accuse the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of administrative failure and insensitivity toward women’s safety, while the TMC maintains that the opposition is politicising a tragic crime for electoral mileage.

As investigations continue, the case has once again brought into focus the larger debate over women’s safety and political accountability in the state.