Mamata Banerjee Says Girls Shouldn’t Go Out at Night After Durgapur Gang Rape

New Delhi, October 12, 2025 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke out on Sunday following the gang rape of a medical student at a private college in Durgapur. The incident occurred behind hospital premises, leaving the 23-year-old second-year MBBS student seriously traumatized. While calling the event “shocking,” Mamata suggested that girls should not be allowed to go out at night and stressed that individuals must also take precautions to protect themselves. She added that nobody involved in the crime would be excused. Mamata also questioned why her government is often singled out for blame after such incidents. She referenced a gang rape at Puri beach in Odisha nearly a month ago and asked what action the Odisha government had taken. She emphasized that the responsibility for the student’s safety lay primarily with the private college, not the state government. Authorities reported that three suspects, Sk Riaz Uddin, Sk Firdoush, and Appu, were arrested, and a fourth person was detained on suspicion of involvement. Police are investigating whether more people participated in the crime and whether the suspects were known to the survivor or her companion who accompanied her outside the college. Officials confirmed that the three arrested were traced using mobile phone tower data, and searches for other possible suspects are ongoing. The victim’s parents, who traveled from Odisha, filed an FIR with the New Township police station. The father expressed concern for his daughter’s safety, stating that she could not continue her studies in West Bengal. “They could kill her here any moment. That’s why we want to take her back to Odisha. Trust has been lost. She will continue her education there,” he told ANI. He added that his daughter is bedridden and unable to walk due to the trauma she suffered. The gang rape has triggered political criticism. Union Minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar strongly condemned Mamata Banerjee’s comments, accusing her of shifting blame to the private medical college. In a post on X, he stated that the Chief Minister cannot evade responsibility for the law and order situation in West Bengal and criticized her for downplaying her government’s role in ensuring public safety. This incident follows several high-profile crimes against women in the state, including the 2024 RG Kar medical college case. Mamata reiterated that West Bengal has zero tolerance for crimes against women and assured that all accused individuals would face strict legal action. The Durgapur gang rape highlights ongoing concerns over safety measures in educational institutions and public spaces at night. Authorities continue to investigate the case and pursue other potential suspects. The incident has also reignited discussions about the responsibilities of private institutions, parental vigilance, and government accountability in preventing crimes against women. While Mamata Banerjee emphasized personal caution and the role of private institutions, critics argue that law enforcement and state oversight are equally crucial in protecting citizens, particularly women, from such violent attacks. The Durgapur case underscores the urgent need for effective safety measures, quick police action, and broader public awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Mamata Banerjee on Durgapur Gang Rape West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke after the gang rape of a medical student in Durgapur, saying girls should avoid going out at night and must take precautions for their safety. She called the incident shocking and assured that all accused would face strict action. Mamata questioned why her government is blamed for such crimes, pointing to a recent gang rape in Odisha. Three suspects have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. The victim’s parents plan to move her back to Odisha for safety. The case highlights concerns over women’s security and the role of institutions and authorities in protecting them.