Why was the victim out at night? Mamata Banerjee’s comment on Odia medico gangrape survivor sparks outrage
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's remarks on the Durgapur gangrape case sparked backlash after she questioned why the victim was out at night and appeared to shift blame onto Odisha. Her comments have intensified public outrage and triggered protests.
The gangrape crime spot in Durgapur and West Bengal CM (inset) Photograph: (OTV)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee made ‘controversial’ remarks on Sunday regarding the recent Durgapur gangrape incident, declining to answer any media questions and instead, shifting the blame to Odisha.
When asked about the disturbing incident, Mamata firmly said, “You can ask the police. It is not me; rather, it is the police,” signalling her refusal to comment.
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During her press interaction, Mamata pointed out that such incidents have occurred in Odisha, referencing the Gopalpur case involving “three women” who were gangraped (she alleged, but it is not true). The beach gangrape involved one girl, in fact.
In a brief statement and remaining tight-lipped, Mamata stated, “That is a private college and the matter nobody is supporting.”
“You (to mediapersons) tell me in Odisha before three weeks ago, ‘three girls were raped’ on the sea beach. What action has been taken by the Odisha government?” Mamata questioned.
However, there was no official confirmation of this claim from Odisha authorities, leading to further confusion.
Mamata's comments came amid rising public anger and protests following the Durgapur incident, where students and local residents clashed with authorities.
The WB Chief Minister's response was seen as an attempt to divert attention from the issue, as she advised female students to avoid going out at night, saying, “Do not step out of the campus after the fall of night.”
Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, though there are still questions regarding their actual involvement.
The outrage over the incident continues to grow, with more demonstrations expected in the coming days. Police have yet to provide a detailed update on the investigation.
So far, three persons have been arrested and sent to court in the Durgapur case.
The ‘accused’ have been identified as Apu Bauri, Sheikh Ferdous, and Sheikh Riaz Uddin. At the moment, there is information that another person has also been arrested, whose name is Sheikh Nasir Uddin.
It is known that all of them are residents of Bijra locality, which has several villages adjacent to the forest where the crime allegedly occurred.
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Why was the victim out at night? Mamata Banerjee’s comment on Odia medico gangrape survivor sparks outrage
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's remarks on the Durgapur gangrape case sparked backlash after she questioned why the victim was out at night and appeared to shift blame onto Odisha. Her comments have intensified public outrage and triggered protests.
The gangrape crime spot in Durgapur and West Bengal CM (inset) Photograph: (OTV)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee made ‘controversial’ remarks on Sunday regarding the recent Durgapur gangrape incident, declining to answer any media questions and instead, shifting the blame to Odisha.
Also Read: Odisha medical student gang-rape: Balasore special team reaches WB; CM Majhi assures all support to family
When asked about the disturbing incident, Mamata firmly said, “You can ask the police. It is not me; rather, it is the police,” signalling her refusal to comment.
During her press interaction, Mamata pointed out that such incidents have occurred in Odisha, referencing the Gopalpur case involving “three women” who were gangraped (she alleged, but it is not true). The beach gangrape involved one girl, in fact.
In a brief statement and remaining tight-lipped, Mamata stated, “That is a private college and the matter nobody is supporting.”
“You (to mediapersons) tell me in Odisha before three weeks ago, ‘three girls were raped’ on the sea beach. What action has been taken by the Odisha government?” Mamata questioned.
However, there was no official confirmation of this claim from Odisha authorities, leading to further confusion.
Mamata's comments came amid rising public anger and protests following the Durgapur incident, where students and local residents clashed with authorities.
The WB Chief Minister's response was seen as an attempt to divert attention from the issue, as she advised female students to avoid going out at night, saying, “Do not step out of the campus after the fall of night.”
Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, though there are still questions regarding their actual involvement.
The outrage over the incident continues to grow, with more demonstrations expected in the coming days. Police have yet to provide a detailed update on the investigation.
So far, three persons have been arrested and sent to court in the Durgapur case.
The ‘accused’ have been identified as Apu Bauri, Sheikh Ferdous, and Sheikh Riaz Uddin. At the moment, there is information that another person has also been arrested, whose name is Sheikh Nasir Uddin.
It is known that all of them are residents of Bijra locality, which has several villages adjacent to the forest where the crime allegedly occurred.
Reported By: Satyajit and Partha