Durgapur gangrape: ‘How was she out at 12.30 am?’ Mamata Banerjee questions victim’s timing, blames college | WATCH

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reacting to the gangrape of an MBBS student in Durgapur, remarked on Sunday that “Girls should not be allowed to go out at night,” as she stressed the need for private institutions to also ensure safety.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said the incident involved a student from a private medical college and allegedly took place in a forested area around 12:30 am. “This is a private college. This girl (victim) was studying in a private medical college. How did she come out at 12.30 am? As far as I know, the incident took place in the forest area,” she said.

While expressing shock, the Chief Minister pointed out that an investigation is underway and assured that action would be taken. “I do not know what happened. The investigation is on. I'm shocked to see the incident. Three people have already been arrested. We will take stringent action… Nobody will be excused. Whoever is guilty will be punished strictly.”

Banerjee further stated that private institutions must also take responsibility for student safety, saying, “Private medical colleges also should take care of their students, and especially girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also.”

Drawing parallels with crimes in other states, Banerjee questioned the silence over similar incidents elsewhere. “Three weeks ago, three girls were raped on the beach in Odisha. What action is being taken by the Odisha government?...Such incidents have taken place in Manipur, UP, Bihar, Odisha; we also think the government must take stringent action there.”

She also highlighted West Bengal’s track record in acting against such crimes. “In our state, we charge-sheeted the people within 1-2 months, and the lower court gave the order to hang the accused,” Banerjee said.