Did CM Mamata Banerjee Misrepresent the Timing in Durgapur Gang-Rape Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee's alleged misrepresentation of facts raises questions about political accountability.
- The victim's exit timing is crucial in understanding the case.
- The local area is known for criminal activity, raising safety concerns.
- Law enforcement's prompt action is critical in such cases.
- This incident could impact the upcoming elections in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Oct 13 (NationPress) The BJP has alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has misrepresented the timing regarding when a second-year medical student exited the private medical college in Durgapur, located in West Burdwan district, before falling victim to a gang-rape incident.
On Sunday, CM Banerjee suggested that girls should refrain from going out at night and stated that the victim left the college at 12:30 a.m., a claim that contradicts the records held by the medical college.
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT cell and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, took to social media on Monday, accusing the Chief Minister of being untruthful about the timing of the victim's exit.
The college authorities indicated in their records that the victim stepped out at 8 p.m. to get food and was subsequently assaulted by three men in a nearby wooded area.
“The student, who belongs to the Dalit community, was not attacked within the college premises. Thus, the responsibility for her safety squarely falls on the police and state administration. The Chief Minister attempted to shift the blame onto the medical college,” Malviya stated.
He noted that the forest area where the alleged gang-rape occurred was poorly lit and had a long-standing reputation as a crime hotspot.
Malviya criticized the police for neglecting this issue, despite the local populace in Durgapur being well aware of it.
“Thus, the brutal gang rape of the second-year MBBS student signifies a total failure of law and order under Mamata Banerjee's leadership,” Malviya mentioned.
The BJP leader further attacked the CM, stating, "It wouldn’t be surprising if she engages with local Muslim leaders to obstruct the investigation and allow the accused to evade justice for their electoral support.
“For Mamata Banerjee, the lives and dignity of women are merely pawns in her political game. She has even attempted to silence the parents of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital victim. This is reprehensible,” Malviya added.
Officials reported that the student was allegedly gang-raped late Friday night in a wooded area behind the hospital after leaving the campus with a male friend around 8 p.m. The survivor's father claimed that her male companion fled during the assault.
The West Bengal Police have apprehended three individuals: Sheikh Riaz Uddin (31), Sheikh Firdaush (23), and Appu Bouri (21), all local residents, in connection with this case. They are currently in police custody for 10 days, while two other suspects remain at large.