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Kolkata:
A shocking case of gang-rape in West Bengal’s Durgapur city has triggered a fresh political storm between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident, involving a young medical student, has not only outraged citizens but also reignited the debate over women’s safety and law enforcement in the state.
According to officials, the victim, a second-year medical student from Odisha, had gone out for dinner with a friend when she was allegedly attacked by three men near a forested area. The men reportedly snatched her phone, dragged her to a secluded spot, and assaulted her. She was later able to reach safety and file a complaint with the police. Investigations are now underway, and a forensic team has been deployed to gather evidence from the site.
BJP’s Harsh Words for Mamata Banerjee Government
The BJP has launched a scathing attack on the West Bengal government, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of allowing a “climate of impunity” for criminals. Party leaders said the state has become a “safe haven for rapists”, pointing to what they called repeated failures in ensuring women’s security.
BJP spokespersons argued that such horrific crimes continue to rise because offenders believe they can act without consequence. Several leaders also demanded that the Chief Minister personally intervene and ensure justice for the victim.
Social media platforms saw an outpouring of anger, with hashtags demanding accountability from the state administration trending widely. BJP leaders alleged that the government’s “silence and negligence” over crimes against women had reached alarming levels.
TMC’s Strong Rebuttal: ‘Don’t Politicise a Tragedy’
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) responded sharply to the BJP’s criticism, warning opposition leaders not to use a human tragedy for political gain. Senior TMC leader and minister Shashi Panja said the party stands firmly with the victim and her family and has full faith in the police investigation.
She added that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has always maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women. According to Panja, every such case deserves justice through due legal process, not political point-scoring or public sensationalism.
Local authorities have assured that the culprits will be arrested soon and punished according to the law. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken note of the case and is sending a team to meet the survivor and monitor the investigation.
Condemnation Across States
The outrage has crossed state borders. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi condemned the assault and offered all possible support to the survivor’s family. He said that the Odisha government is in contact with West Bengal officials to ensure a fair and speedy trial.
Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and student unions have also spoken out, demanding stronger safety measures for women in public spaces and stricter enforcement of law. Many have urged that discussions around such crimes should focus on justice and prevention, not political rivalry.
A Deeper Concern Over Safety
This latest case has once again raised uncomfortable questions about women’s safety in West Bengal. Activists point out that despite numerous awareness drives and policies, crimes against women continue to occur with disturbing regularity. They say that both government and opposition parties must move beyond rhetoric and work together to make public spaces truly safe.
Residents in Durgapur and nearby areas have expressed anger and fear, calling for visible changes in policing and nighttime safety. For many citizens, this incident reflects a broader pattern of neglect where administrative action comes only after outrage builds in the media.
Justice, Not Politics
While the political blame game intensifies, what remains most important is justice for the survivor. Her courage in coming forward deserves respect and support not to become a backdrop for political sparring. Every such case is a reminder that India’s fight for women’s safety is far from over and requires consistent effort, empathy, and accountability.
The people of West Bengal now watch closely to see if the government can deliver swift and transparent justice, and if political leaders can finally rise above party lines to protect what truly matters, the dignity and safety of every woman.
