The outrage stems from a comment made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra following the alleged rape of a 24-year-old law student at South Calcutta Law College. Mitra appeared to blame the victim, stating that the incident "would never have happened if she hadn't gone to the scene of the crime in the first place". His statement ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing him of victim-blaming.

Mitra's comment was made in reference to the alleged rape of a first-year law student that occurred on Wednesday at the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata's Kasba area. The accused is Monojit Mishra, a 31-year-old former student of the college and a practicing lawyer. Reports indicate that Mishra is linked to the TMC's student wing. Three others—Zaib Ahmed, Pramit Mukhopadhyay, and a security guard—were also arrested in connection with the crime.

The backlash against Mitra's statement was swift and severe. Critics argued that his words promoted a culture of victim-blaming and irresponsibility. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was particularly vocal, accusing the TMC of attempting to "character assassinate" the survivor and of being a "protector of rapists". BJP Spokesperson Priyanka Tibrewal questioned how the accused was allowed into the college and called it a "blatant abuse of power".

Mitra's remarks are not the only controversial comments made by TMC leaders regarding the incident. Kalyan Banerjee, a Trinamool MP, also sparked outrage by saying, "What can be done if a friend rapes his friend?". Banerjee urged women to be cautious of people with "dirty mindsets". The BJP's West Bengal wing called Banerjee's comments "insensitive," with spokesperson Amit Malviya questioning whether "rape by classmates is acceptable now?".

Following the widespread condemnation, the Trinamool Congress distanced itself from the remarks made by both Mitra and Banerjee. The party stated that their comments were made in their "personal capacities" and that the party "unequivocally disassociates itself from their statements and strongly condemns the same". The TMC affirmed its "zero tolerance for crimes against women" and demanded the strictest possible punishment for those involved.

Amid the controversy, TMC MP Mahua Moitra acknowledged that misogyny exists across party lines in India. However, she emphasized that the TMC is different because it condemns such statements, regardless of who makes them.

Madan Mitra issued a clarification after facing severe backlash, claiming his statement had been misunderstood. However, his initial remarks have already contributed significantly to the ongoing political clash in West Bengal, exacerbating tensions between the TMC and the BJP. The incident has also intensified the focus on women's safety in West Bengal, with some questioning whether women are safe in the state. The incident has sparked protests and sharp reactions, further amplifying the political fallout.