Should Women Avoid Leaving College at Night?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saugata Roy's comments on women's safety have caused controversy.
- Women are advised to avoid being out late at night.
- Chief Minister Banerjee supports strict measures against crime.
- Criticism arises from opposition parties regarding sensitivity.
- Safety for women remains a pressing issue in Bengal.
Kolkata, Oct 13 (NationPress) Following the comments made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has ignited controversy with his statements regarding women's safety.
In reference to the Durgapur gang-rape incident, Roy remarked that women ought to refrain from leaving their colleges during late hours.
He stated, "Such incidents are infrequent in Bengal. The safety of women here is superior to that in many other regions. Although unfortunate events like the R.G. Kar rape case and the recent incident have occurred, they should not happen again. However, women must consider their safety and avoid being out late at night, as law enforcement cannot be present on every street. Police can only act after an event has taken place, hence, women should exercise caution," emphasized the Trinamool leader.
Roy further noted that ensuring security throughout the state is not feasible.
His comments came just a day after Chief Minister Banerjee advised women against going out at night. During a press conference on Sunday, she referenced the gang-rape case in Durgapur, stating, "In Bengal, we maintain a zero tolerance stance towards such crimes. We welcome students from various places for education. I urge them to avoid nighttime outings since the police cannot monitor who is out at night. They cannot oversee every individual at their home. Educational institutions also bear a responsibility for their students' welfare."
The opposition party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized Banerjee for her seemingly insensitive and degrading remarks towards women.
On October 10, a second-year medical student from Odisha was reportedly gang-raped outside her college campus in Durgapur after she went out for dinner with a male companion.
Authorities have apprehended all five suspects involved in the gang-rape case.