Durgapur Rape Case Sparks Political Firestorm in West Bengal

The Durgapur gang rape incident has triggered intense political controversy in West Bengal. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC for their allegedly insensitive remarks and accused the ruling party of criminal involvement. The case continues to expose deep political and social divides.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy over their remarks on the Durgapur gang rape case, denouncing their comments as 'insensitive' and suggesting they are stuck in the era of 'Babur.' Majumdar accused the TMC of entanglement in the state's criminal activities, implicating even contractual workers and local party officials.

The incident involves a second-year student from a private medical college who was allegedly gang-raped on October 10. Majumdar claimed the TMC's deep involvement in West Bengal's criminal landscape was evident, calling the government's handling of the case 'inefficient.' He pointed to previous cases, such as the Kamduni village gang rape, where alleged procedural inadequacies emboldened criminals.

Mamata Banerjee's advisement for colleges to restrict female students' nighttime outings has drawn sharp criticism. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Police have arrested five suspects, with a local court mandating 10 days of police custody for three initial detainees. An Odisha State Commission for Women team visited Durgapur to assess the situation, promising comprehensive support for the survivor's family. The BJP has blamed Mamata Banerjee's administration for insufficient women's safety measures, spurring significant political strife.

(With inputs from agencies.)