Kolkata Rape Case: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Remarks Spark Outrage | KhabarIDose

Kolkata, West Bengal – Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has ignited a firestorm of criticism across West Bengal following his controversial remarks concerning the alleged gang rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College. His comments, widely perceived as victim-blaming and an attempt to deflect institutional responsibility, have drawn sharp condemnation from opposition parties, student groups, and civil society.

The incident, which reportedly took place on Wednesday evening within the college premises, has sent shockwaves through the state. According to the survivor’s complaint, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by three individuals, including a former student identified as Monojit Mishra, who is reportedly associated with the Trinamool Congress student wing. Three arrests, including that of Mishra, have been made by Kolkata Police.

However, the focus shifted sharply to political discourse after Kalyan Banerjee, a senior TMC leader and MP from Sreerampur, made statements that have been described as deeply insensitive. Responding to media queries, Banerjee questioned the extent of police involvement in ensuring safety within educational institutions, remarking, “What can be done if a friend rapes his friend? Will the police be in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her?” He further added, “Who does all this criminality and molestation? Some men do it. So, who should women fight against? Women should fight against these perverted men.”

These comments have been met with immediate and fierce backlash. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal was quick to condemn Banerjee’s remarks, with BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. Ghosh stated, “This incident reveals the character of TMC, their thoughts towards women. I demand the immediate resignation of Mamata Banerjee as the CM of West Bengal. Under her rule, no one is safe.” BJP leaders also highlighted alleged links between the prime accused and the ruling party’s student wing, further fueling the political confrontation.

Student organizations and women’s rights activists have also voiced their outrage, staging protests across Kolkata on Friday. Demonstrators have called for stricter measures to ensure campus safety and accountability for those in positions of power who make remarks that trivialize sexual assault.

While the TMC leadership, including State President of the Trinamool student wing, Trinankur Bhattacharya, has stated they are not denying past associations with the accused, they assert that such individuals do not define the party’s stance. Senior leaders like Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim have also denied any current official association of Mishra with the TMC.

The Kolkata Police have acted swiftly in the case, arresting the three accused within 24 hours of the complaint. The survivor’s statement has been recorded, and investigators are reportedly examining seized mobile phones for potential evidence. However, the controversy surrounding Kalyan Banerjee’s remarks continues to overshadow the ongoing investigation, placing a renewed spotlight on the critical issue of women’s safety and the responsibility of public figures in addressing such sensitive matters. The incident has reignited concerns about the overall safety of women in the state, coming less than a year after a similar high-profile case at RG Kar Medical College.