Mamata Banerjee clarifies Durgapur case remark after backlash, says statement was ‘Distorted’

After outrage over her comment on a Durgapur medical student’s gang rape, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said her statement was misinterpreted. She emphasized institutional responsibility for campus safety and reaffirmed her government’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women.

West Bengal: The alleged gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, has sparked outrage across the state. The incident occurred outside the campus of a private medical college on the night of October 10, 2025, when she had gone out to eat with a friend.

The victim is said to be a resident of Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district and a second-year student at the medical college. Police stated that three accused have been arrested so far, and the search for others is ongoing.

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

Following the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a strong statement, saying that the culprits would not be spared under any circumstances.

Mamata Banerjee's statement

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "She is a student of a private medical college. It is also the institution's responsibility to ensure safety on campus. But the question is, why was she outside at 12:30 a.m.? Students living in the hostel should follow the rules."

Following this statement, Mamata Banerjee began facing criticism from opposition parties and on social media. People said that the Chief Minister indirectly questioned the victim when she should have called for strict action against the perpetrators.

My "statement was distorted"

Amidst the criticism, Mamata Banerjee clarified on Sunday (October 12, 2025) that her statement was presented out of context.

She told reporters in Alipurduar— "My statement at Dum Dum airport was deliberately distorted. I never questioned the victim but spoke about security and the responsibility of the institution. My words were misinterpreted for political gain."

Mamata accused the media of "cheap politics," saying that she was merely asked to respond, and her response was twisted. The Chief Minister said that private colleges are not only responsible for education, but they must also ensure the security of their campuses and surroundings.

She added that the police cannot monitor every home or hostel and said, "officials cannot know who is going out at night, so institutions themselves must strengthen security measures."

Targeting Other States

Mamata Banerjee also said in her statement that crimes against women do not occur exclusively in Bengal, but many such cases are also reported in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

MBBS student assaulted outside college campus; Is Bengal failing to protect its women?

She questioned why only incidents in Bengal elicit political reactions, while other states remain silent. She reiterated that the Bengal government is pursuing a "zero tolerance" policy and all cases are being investigated seriously.