Should Girls Be Restricted from Going Out at Night? Mamata Banerjee's Stance on Durgapur Gang-Rape Incident
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Synopsis
In a recent statement regarding a gang-rape incident involving a medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that girls should avoid going out at night. This controversial remark has sparked significant debate about safety and freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee called for girls to avoid late-night outings.
- A zero-tolerance policy against sexual crimes has been reiterated.
- Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the gang-rape.
- The case has raised significant public concern and debate.
- The National Commission for Women is involved in seeking justice.
Kolkata, Oct 12 (NationPress) In response to the distressing gang-rape incident involving a medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Sunday that girls should refrain from going out at night.
She emphasized that her government has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards such abhorrent acts and urged the police to take decisive actions against the offenders.
"In Bengal, we maintain a zero-tolerance stance on these crimes. Many students from outside the state come here to study. I advise them to avoid going out at night because it's difficult for the police to monitor everyone's movements. The private medical college holds some responsibility for the safety of its students," said CM Banerjee while addressing the media outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
She further remarked, "If someone goes out at 12:30 a.m. and faces a situation... we condemn the incident. We don’t endorse it. While everyone has the freedom to go anywhere, it’s crucial for those living in hostels to be cautious. I've instructed the police to enforce strict measures. No one will evade justice."
On the same day, police apprehended three individuals accused of gang-raping a second-year medical student from Odisha outside a private medical college in Durgapur.
The suspects have been identified as Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh. Authorities are actively searching for two additional suspects.
The victim was reportedly attacked outside the campus after leaving with a male friend for dinner.
On Saturday, the West Bengal Police detained the male friend for questioning regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the state health department has requested a report from the medical college officials. According to police, the student and her friend were stalked and verbally harassed by a group of young men on motorcycles.
These men allegedly chased the friend away, dragged the student to a nearby forested area, and gang-raped her, even stealing her mobile phone and discarding it.
The friend later returned with others from the college to find the injured student. She was subsequently admitted to a local hospital. Police confirmed that she hails from Jaleswar, Odisha.
A complaint from the college prompted immediate action from the Durgapur New Township Police. The private medical institution has issued a statement expressing its support for the student and its willingness to cooperate fully with the police.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also acknowledged the incident, requesting a report from the Bengal DGP within five days.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this incident with an unbiased lens. While the tragedy highlights the need for improved safety measures for women, it also raises questions about accountability and societal attitudes towards such crimes. The focus should remain on preventing violence rather than restricting freedoms.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Durgapur?
A second-year medical student was gang-raped outside her college after going out for dinner with a male friend.
What is Mamata Banerjee's response?
Mamata Banerjee suggested that girls should avoid going out at night and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes.
What actions are being taken by the police?
Three suspects have been arrested, and the police are searching for two additional individuals involved in the incident.
What is the reaction from the National Commission for Women?
The NCW has taken notice of the incident and requested a report from the Bengal DGP within five days.
What is the responsibility of educational institutions?
The private medical college has stated it will cooperate with the police and has a duty to ensure the safety of its students.
