The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing internal turmoil after controversial remarks made by party MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra regarding the recent Kolkata law college gang-rape case. The incident, which occurred on June 25 at South Calcutta Law College, involved a 24-year-old law student who was allegedly raped by two seniors and a former student.
Banerjee's initial response to the incident sparked outrage when he stated, "What can be done if a friend rapes his friend? Will the police be there in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her?". His comments were perceived as downplaying the severity of the crime and shifting responsibility away from the perpetrators. Mitra further inflamed the situation by blaming the survivor, saying, "If someone calls you when the college is closed, then don't go. If she had taken a friend or informed someone, this wouldn't have happened".
The TMC swiftly distanced itself from the remarks made by Banerjee and Mitra. In an official statement posted on X, the party stated that the comments were made in their personal capacities and do not reflect the party's stance. The party unequivocally condemned the statements and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women, demanding the strictest possible punishment for those involved.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra openly criticized her party colleagues, emphasizing that misogyny transcends party lines in India. Backing the party's statement, Moitra wrote on X: “Misogyny in India cuts across party lines. What differentiates @AITCofficial is that we condemn these disgusting comments no matter who makes them".
However, the party's censure prompted a sharp response from Kalyan Banerjee, who questioned the party's moral clarity. He posted a rebuttal on X, stating, "Completely disagree with the post made by @AITCofficial on X. Are they indirectly supporting the leaders who are shielding these criminals? Mere academic statements won't bring any real change unless immediate action is taken against those leaders directly responsible". Banerjee further added, "To truly understand the intent behind my words and statements, a certain level of moral and intellectual alignment is required — which, unfortunately, seems to be missing".
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon the controversy to attack the TMC, accusing the ruling party of protecting offenders and attempting to suppress the voice of the victim. BJP leaders shared images of the prime accused, Monojit Mishra, with TMC leadership, alleging the party's links with the accused. The BJP has stated that "Bengal can never be safe for women until TMC is thrown out of power".
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have formed a five-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the gang-rape allegations. The medical report of the victim revealed abrasions on her neck and chest. While no external genital or oral injuries were observed, doctors have not ruled out sexual assault, pending further forensic confirmation. The police are recreating the sequence of events at the college to understand what happened during the assault. The confidential statement of the victim has been recorded before the chief judicial magistrate at the Alipur Court, and counseling has been provided.
