Is there any country free from such incidents? Trinamool MP comments on Durgapur gang-rape case
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Synopsis
Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar highlights the global prevalence of sexual violence in her response to the Durgapur gang-rape case. Amidst ongoing debates about victim-blaming, the call for justice and the enactment of the Aparajita Bill remains contentious.
Key Takeaways
- No society is exempt from incidents of sexual violence.
- The Aparajita Bill is pending Presidential approval.
- Political leaders are facing scrutiny over their responses.
- The victim's safety raises questions about societal attitudes.
- Public outrage emphasizes the need for systemic change.
Kolkata, Oct 13 (NationPress) Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, addressing the Durgapur gang-rape incident on Monday, asserted that there is no community or nation where such occurrences are absent.
This remark followed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's suggestion that young women should avoid being out at night. She also questioned the timing of the victim's presence outside the college grounds at 12:30 a.m., which contradicted the exit logs of the private medical institution.
In her statement to the media, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar mentioned, "There will always be one or two such incidents in any society; you cannot find a nation globally where this does not occur."
She highlighted that the West Bengal government has enacted the Aparajita Bill, yet it is still awaiting the President's endorsement.
"We view this as a despicable crime. We demand that the offender faces justice. The Aparajita Bill has been passed by the West Bengal Assembly and is currently with the Central government in Delhi, which has not yet approved it. It remains pending with the President. Regardless of government assurances, it has not been ratified. Thus, the responsibility lies with the Central government," Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar remarked.
The victim, a second-year medical student from Odisha, was reportedly gang-raped outside the college on October 10 after she went out for dinner with her male companion.
The individuals apprehended in connection with the Durgapur rape case have been identified as Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh. Additionally, another suspect was taken into custody on Monday morning.
According to the police, the student had left the campus with her male friend for dinner when a group of young men on motorcycles began following them, making inappropriate remarks.
These men allegedly intimidated the friend, dragged the student to a secluded area behind the campus, and gang-raped her. They also stole her mobile phone and disposed of it.
The male friend returned with others from the college and discovered the injured student lying on the ground. She was subsequently admitted to a local hospital. Authorities confirmed that she is originally from Jaleswar, Odisha.
Meanwhile, the BJP has launched a fierce critique of the Chief Minister, accusing her of a "habitual tendency to blame victims," referencing previous incidents.
In response to CM Banerjee's comments, Amit Malviya, the BJP's Information Technology Cell Chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, posted a message on social media on Sunday afternoon, citing how the Chief Minister has previously engaged in victim-blaming in similar situations.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of addressing the complexities surrounding incidents of violence against women. The Durgapur case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change and robust legal frameworks to protect victims. While political discourse often shifts towards blame, it is crucial to focus on prevention and accountability.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aparajita Bill?
The Aparajita Bill is legislation passed by the West Bengal Assembly aimed at strengthening protections for women and addressing crimes against them.
Who are the suspects in the Durgapur gang-rape case?
The suspects identified in the Durgapur gang-rape case include Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh, with additional arrests made.
What were the circumstances of the incident?
The incident occurred when the victim, a medical student, went out with a male friend for dinner and was subsequently attacked by a group of men.
What has been the government's response?
The government has passed the Aparajita Bill, but it awaits approval from the President, with calls for the Central government to expedite the process.
What is the public reaction to the case?
There has been widespread condemnation of the incident, with political parties, including the BJP, criticizing the Chief Minister's comments on victim behavior.
