Mamata under fire for remarks on gang-raped student

West Bengal Chief Minister questions why student was out after midnight

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

In the aftermath of the brutal gang rape of a 23-year-old MBBS student in West Bengal’s Durgapur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments have triggered nationwide outrage, with the opposition accusing her of victim-blaming instead of ensuring justice.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Banerjee said the student was studying in a private medical college and questioned how she was allowed to leave campus late at night.

Blames institutions

“She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night?” Banerjee asked, adding that the incident was “shocking” and that Bengal Police were taking all necessary steps.

The Chief Minister went further, saying private medical institutions must be responsible for their students’ safety and “culture at night.”