‘Didi has shamed women:’ Odisha Deputy CM slams Mamata Banerjee over Durgapur gangrape remarks

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Monday delivered a sharp rebuke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her controversial remarks concerning the recent gangrape of an Odia medical student in Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district.

Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida termed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s statements as ‘irresponsible and insensitive’, stating that they not only shifted blame but also disappointed women across the country.

The controversy stems from Mamata Banerjee’s comments on Sunday, where she refused to answer questions from the media regarding the Durgapur gangrape. Instead, she reportedly deflected responsibility to the police and referenced past incidents in Odisha, including a disputed claim about a gangrape at Gopalpur beach.

Notably, when asked about her comments regarding the lawlessness that led to the rape of the medical student, the West Bengal CM had controversially questioned why the survivor was out at night, apparently discarding all claims of lawlessness in her state.

Pravati Parida Slams Mamata’s Comments

Taking to social media, Parida criticised Mamata for her approach, stating that such comments from a woman Chief Minister with a national reputation were particularly disheartening.

“The remarks from someone known as ‘Didi’ have shamed and surprised women everywhere,” Parida said, emphasising that the CM’s statements brought gender-based inequality into the discussion instead of delivering justice to the victim.

Parida further noted that Mamata’s advice to female students to avoid going out at night, instead of ensuring their safety, was unacceptable. She also urged that if Mamata felt there was no concern for an Odia girl affected by the crime, the Odisha government would step in to ensure justice and protection.

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Durgapur Incident: Arrests Made, Investigation Continues

Meanwhile, in the Durgapur gangrape case, four accused, Apu Bauri, Sheikh Ferdous, and Sheikh Riaz Uddin, have been arrested, with another person, Sheikh Nasir Uddin, also reportedly in custody. The accused are from Bijra locality, adjacent to the forested area where the crime allegedly occurred.

Police officials are yet to issue a detailed update on the ongoing investigation, while public protests and demonstrations have continued across the district, reflecting growing anger over the incident.