Mamata Banerjee questions student’s late-night outing, prompting backlash from opposition parties.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made remarks on Sunday that have ignited a heated debate following the alleged gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur on October 10. During a media interaction, she questioned why the second-year MBBS student was out of her hostel after midnight, suggesting that personal responsibility plays a role in ensuring safety. This statement has been met with criticism, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused her of victim-blaming.
The student was reportedly attacked near her college after leaving her hostel with a male friend. In response to the incident, police have apprehended three suspects and are actively searching for two additional individuals involved. Banerjee’s comments have raised concerns about the message being conveyed regarding women’s safety.
While addressing the media, Banerjee questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, stating, “How did she come out at 12.30 am?” She acknowledged that the attack occurred in a secluded area and mentioned that an ongoing investigation is in progress. Banerjee emphasized the need for private colleges to enhance security measures, particularly for female students, insisting that they should not venture out at night.
She also urged students from other states to exercise caution, stating, “It is everyone’s right to go out when and wherever they want, but it is also a fact that police cannot go and sit at everyone’s house. They should protect themselves too.” Her comments, however, have been interpreted by many as an attempt to shift responsibility away from the authorities and onto the victim.
In the aftermath of her statements, Banerjee asserted that her words had been misrepresented and taken out of context. The BJP has vehemently opposed her remarks, with party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticizing the Chief Minister for suggesting that women should limit their movements instead of ensuring their safety. Bhatia stated that a leader who advises women against going out at night lacks the moral authority to hold office.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also weighed in, characterizing Banerjee’s comments as reflective of a conservative mindset within the Trinamool Congress. She pointed out that as the head of home affairs in West Bengal, Banerjee bears responsibility for the security of women in the state. Swaraj called for an environment where women feel secure and can move freely, regardless of the time of day.
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about women’s safety in public spaces and the responsibilities of both individuals and authorities in preventing such crimes. The reactions to Banerjee’s comments highlight the complexities surrounding discussions of victimhood and accountability in cases of sexual violence.
