The rape case of a woman in the premises of a Kolkata law college, registered on Friday, has sparked a political row, with the BJP-led Opposition invoking the R G Kar rape and murder case in August last year.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumder said, “This has happened for the second time in Kolkata where in a educational institute, a student was raped. The TMC gave lease to some criminals in educational institutes. This incident came to light, but such incidents are happening across the state… The police are not firmly taking action because the culprits are close to the TMC. Here, I have heard the main accused also threatened her parents. We say: if anyone threatens your child, come to us, we will give full legal support.”
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, “Police can’t be deployed at every college. Male colleagues should be alert and save their female colleagues. Some perverted persons are committing such crimes. Strong action should be taken against them. On the other hand, women should also stand against such crimes.” Meanwhile, Jayprakash Majumder, vice-president of TMC told mediapersons, “This is a social malice. We all condemn the incident. We should all fight against this unitedly. This is not the time for blame games. Kolkata police has made a prompt arrest and justice will be served.”
BJP state president Sukanta Majumder said, “This has happened for the second time in Kolkata where in a educational institute, a student was raped.” (Express Photo/Partha Paul)
The Trinamool Congress also took to X, stating: “We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at (the college). Kolkata Police have swiftly apprehended all three accused, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear, ensuring the most severe measures are imposed on those found guilty… This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the BJP government at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented.”
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, “Police can’t be deployed at every college. Male colleagues should be alert and save their female colleagues. (Express Photo/Partha Paul)
State secretary of SFI Debanjan Dey alleged that “the main culprit… is a known criminal of Kalighat. Many cases are pending against him. Even after that, he was given a job at this college. Why didn’t the police take action against him?”
The TMC continued in its post, “… Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The state administration, under Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamaa Banerjee, is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served.”
