Durgapur Assault: Mamata sparks controversy with her remarks for girls; Know what she said…

As police arrest three suspects in the Durgapur gangrape case, Mamata Banerjee’s controversial advice to girls has ignited debate, raising questions about victim safety and accountability. Read the article to know the full story.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht
Updated : 12 October 2025, 2:52 PM IST
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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked controversy with her remarks on the alleged gangrape of a 23-year-old medical student in Durgapur.

Addressing the media, Banerjee said that "a girl should not be allowed to go out at night," while adding that it was unfair to blame her government since the incident took place at a private medical college. "The college authorities should have ensured her safety," she added.

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Victim found in semi-conscious state

Her comments came a day after a second-year medical student from Durgapur’s Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences alleged that she was gangraped by a group of men after stepping out with a male friend to get food on Friday night.

The victim, who hails from Odisha, said that the assailants intercepted them near the college gate, dragged her to a secluded area, and assaulted her. She was later found in a semi-conscious state and taken to a nearby hospital.

Durgapur assault case

A special investigation team has been formed

SIT has been formed to probe the case

The police have registered a case based on the survivor’s complaint and detained several suspects for questioning. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, and forensic experts have been called in to collect evidence from the spot. According to officials, CCTV footage from nearby areas is also being examined.

Mamata accused of victim blaming

Chief Minister Banerjee, addressing a gathering in Siliguri, said, “What happened in Durgapur is unfortunate and shameful. The police are investigating and the culprits will be punished. But I would also tell girls not to go outside at night. Anything can happen in such situations.” Her statement has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties and women’s rights groups, who accused her of “victim blaming.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, saying such remarks “discourage victims from coming forward.”

State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, “Instead of ensuring women’s safety, the Chief Minister is holding the victim responsible.” Women’s rights activists called for sensitivity in political statements, arguing that public figures should focus on accountability and law enforcement rather than advising restrictions on women’s movement.

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Police investigation and arrests

The West Bengal Police have confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the Durgapur gangrape case and said that a manhunt is underway to trace two more suspects. “We have arrested three persons related to the incident, and they are currently being interrogated. This is a highly sensitive case, and all necessary steps are being taken,” a senior police officer told media.

Durgapur Commissionerate Deputy Commissioner (East) Abhishek Gupta said that a forensic team will visit the crime scene to collect vital evidence, while CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being closely examined to establish the sequence of events and identify any remaining culprits.

Location : 
  • Kolkata

Published : 
  • 12 October 2025, 2:52 PM IST