West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s controversial remark questioning why girls go out at night has triggered massive outrage and renewed debates on victim-blaming and women’s safety.

The comment came amid nationwide anger over the gang rape of a 23-year-old MBBS student from Odisha outside her private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal. Four suspects have been arrested so far, and the survivor’s family is seeking her transfer to Odisha for safety. Authorities in both West Bengal and Odisha have vowed strict action as the police investigation continues.​

Incident and Investigation: What We Know So Far

The crime occurred on Friday night when the survivor, along with a male friend, left her college campus for dinner around 8 p.m. Reports indicate the two were followed, and while her friend managed to escape, the woman was dragged into a nearby forested area just 500 metres from the campus, where she was gang-raped by the assailants. The attackers took her phone and threatened her life, demanding ₹3,000 for the return of her phone. Her roommates and college staff raised the alarm after she returned to the hostel.

Police quickly arrested three individuals-Apu Bauri, Firdos Sekh, and Sekh Reajuddin-who have been remanded to police custody; a fourth suspect was detained later for involvement. Forensic teams combed the area, and the survivor’s friend is currently under police investigation for his possible role in luring her out.

The survivor’s family, deeply shaken, has demanded her transfer out of Bengal, citing threats to her life and a loss of trust in local security.​

Outrage Over Official Reaction and Political Fallout

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while confirming the arrests and stating that the incident is being taken seriously, questioned how the student could leave campus at night, particularly in a forested area, and suggested that colleges should implement tighter controls on student movement.

However, Banerjee later claimed her remarks were taken out of context. Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport, she called the incident “shocking” and vowed that “no accused would be spared.” She also criticized the institution, saying private colleges must ensure security within and around their campuses.

She further defended herself, saying:

“My address at Dum Dum airport has been deliberately distorted. You ask me a question, and when I answer, my words are twisted and taken out of context. Do not try this nasty politics with me.”

These statements have sparked a wave of outrage, with opposition politicians, women’s rights groups, and netizens condemning her remarks as “victim-shaming.” The college has asserted that adult students cannot be restricted from leaving campus, and the survivor’s father insists that the blame lies squarely with the perpetrators, not the victim.

Political parties, especially the BJP, have called for Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, accusing her of abdicating responsibility and shifting blame. This incident has also revived memories of other high-profile assaults in the state, highlighting systemic failures in women’s safety.​

Voices Across States and Institutional Responsibility

Authorities in both West Bengal and Odisha have promised stringent action. The Odisha Chief Minister has reached out personally to the survivor’s family and called for the harshest penalties for those responsible. The West Bengal police have issued a statement assuring that every angle will be probed, and the guilty will be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the public relations officer of the institution has remarked that stopping adults from moving freely is not feasible, asserting that the college will cooperate fully with the investigation. The survivor remains hospitalised, and her family is pressing for her to continue her education in Odisha due to ongoing threats and trauma.​

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

No woman or girl should ever fear violence when stepping outside, regardless of the time or place. Blaming the victim not only perpetuates dangerous myths but undermines efforts to create truly safe environments. It is imperative that responses shift from controlling women’s choices to addressing the roots of gender violence through better policing, robust support systems, and community education.

The Logical Indian urges empathy and action, standing in solidarity with the survivor and her family.