Kolkata: October 12:
On Sunday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur as shocking and unacceptable. Some of her later comments about women going out at night drew criticism for appearing restrictive. Speaking at the Kolkata airport, Banerjee said her government does not tolerate crimes against women and promised that those responsible would be held accountable.
Police said the survivor, a second-year student from Jaleswar in Odisha’s Balasore district, was allegedly gangraped by several men near her private medical college campus in Durgapur on Friday night. The incident reportedly took place after she went out for dinner with a friend.
In her initial response, the Chief Minister questioned the college’s supervision of students and asked why the student was out late at night.
“She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 a.m.? Girls should not be allowed to go outside the college at night. They also have to take care of their own safety,” Banerjee said.
She also mentioned that hostel students, especially those from other states, should follow their institution’s rules and avoid going out late, even though they have the right to move freely.
“Students living in hostels, especially those from other states, are expected to follow hostel rules. They should avoid going out late at night, although they have the fundamental right to go wherever they wish,” she added.
Banerjee noted that police face real challenges and cannot monitor everyone at all times.
“The police have logistical limitations. Officers cannot stand guard outside every home or track who is leaving at night,” she said.
The Chief Minister urged private educational institutions to take more steps to keep their campuses and nearby areas safe.
