Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 14: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of presiding over a lawless state following the gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur. Senior BJP leaders condemned what they called a complete collapse of governance and a disturbing trend of victim-blaming in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi expressed grave concern over the incident, saying West Bengal is "turning into a jungle of cruelty and crime." He said the state, once respected across the country and abroad, is now being shamed by rising atrocities, with the administration allegedly siding with wrongdoers rather than victims. “The government seems more interested in shielding the culprits than upholding the dignity of Bengal,” he remarked.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul criticised CM Mamata Banerjee’s past remarks on women’s mobility. “The Chief Minister asks, ‘Why did you go out after midnight?’ But the victim left home at 8 p.m. to get food. Even if she had gone out at midnight, is that justification for rape? Why shouldn’t a woman be allowed to step out at any hour?” she questioned.
Paul further highlighted the poor infrastructure in the area where the incident occurred, stating that there were no street lights, no CCTV cameras, and a forest close by, creating a perfect setting for crime. “And yet, the administration turns a blind eye,” she added. “It’s heartbreaking for me to admit I’m from West Bengal.”
Meanwhile, the Durgapur gang-rape case continues to unfold, with the victim scheduled to record her statement before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC. The confidential testimony will be taken at the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court.
The victim’s father stated on Monday that the family plans to return to Odisha once the legal formalities are completed, though it is still unclear whether that will happen today or tomorrow.
Earlier on Tuesday, police took all five accused to the crime scene for a reconstruction of events. Investigators have seized the clothes worn by the accused on the night of the incident and sent them for forensic analysis. Medico-legal tests on the suspects are also expected to be conducted shortly.
As the case draws national attention, political tempers are flaring, with the BJP accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to protect women and undermining public trust in law enforcement.