Trinamool Leader’s Statement on Student Rape Sparks Statewide Backlash in West Bengal
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee’s controversial remarks on the alleged gang rape of a female law student in Kolkata have triggered widespread condemnation across political lines and civil society. His statements, perceived as dismissive and insensitive, have fueled anger amidst an already volatile situation in West Bengal following the June 27 incident.
Banerjee, a senior MP from Serampore, said, “If a friend rapes another friend, how can the authorities prevent it? Do we deploy police in every classroom? Police can’t be everywhere.” He further suggested that women’s safety was compromised by the mindset of some men and emphasized the need for male colleagues to be more vigilant.
While he condemned the perpetrators as “perverted persons” and called for strict action, his comments appeared to deflect institutional responsibility, drawing backlash from the Opposition. The BJP, in particular, slammed his remarks as “insensitive” and “in favour of the rapists.”
BJP Hits Back, Calls Remarks a ‘Mockery of Justice’
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya strongly rebuked Banerjee’s statements, questioning the government’s role in maintaining safety in educational institutions. “So rape by classmates is acceptable now? What’s the point of having a government if it disowns responsibility for campus safety?” Malviya said, posting a video of the MP’s comments on social media.
He added that the incident was being politicized and minimized, despite one of the accused — Monojit Mishra — being a known student leader with ties to the ruling party.
TMC Faces Backlash Over Links to Accused
The survivor, a law student from South Calcutta Law College, accused three individuals of sexually assaulting her within the college premises. The revelation that one of the primary accused, Mishra, is allegedly associated with the Trinamool Congress, intensified the controversy.
While Trinamool student wing president Trinankur Bhattacharya acknowledged Mishra’s former links with the party, he distanced the party from the crime. Meanwhile, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim denied any official connection between the accused and the TMC, stating, “True TMC workers, who follow the party’s ideals, cannot commit such crimes.”
However, circulating photos of Mishra with prominent TMC leaders have raised serious questions about the party’s accountability.
Protests Across Kolkata
The alleged gang rape has sparked massive protests across Kolkata, with students, civil society groups, and Opposition parties rallying in support of the victim and demanding justice. Demonstrators called for swift and transparent investigations, stronger safety measures in campuses, and accountability from the ruling party.
