Durgapur Gang-Rape Case: TMC MP's Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage

Trinamool Congress MP Comments on Durgapur Incident

Kolkata: In light of the recent gang-rape incident in Durgapur, Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar remarked that no society or nation is free from such crimes. Her comments followed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's suggestion that young women should avoid going out at night, questioning the victim's presence outside a college at 12:30 a.m., which contradicted the college's exit logs.

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar stated, "Such incidents occur in every society; it's unrealistic to think otherwise." She highlighted that the West Bengal government has introduced the Aparajita Bill, which is currently awaiting presidential approval.

Expressing the party's stance, she said, "This is a grave crime, and we demand justice for the victim. The Aparajita Bill has been sent to Delhi but remains unapproved by the Central government, which is responsible for its delay."

The victim, a second-year medical student from Odisha, was reportedly gang-raped on October 10 after leaving campus with a male friend for dinner. The police have arrested Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh, with another suspect apprehended recently.

According to law enforcement, the student and her friend were harassed by a group of men on motorcycles. The assailants allegedly separated the friend from the victim, dragged her into a nearby wooded area, and assaulted her, also stealing her mobile phone.

After the friend returned with others, they discovered the injured student and rushed her to a local hospital. Authorities confirmed she hails from Jaleswar, Odisha.

In response to the Chief Minister's comments, the BJP criticized her for what they termed 'victim blaming,' referencing similar past incidents. Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT Cell Chief and West Bengal observer, took to social media to highlight the Chief Minister's history of such remarks.