The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged gang-rape of a female student at South Calcutta Law College, demanding her apology and resignation.
Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Sambit Patra expressed outrage over what he called the “state-sponsored” nature of the crime, citing the involvement of Manojit Mishra, the main accused who is allegedly linked to the student wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
“In a state where the Chief Minister is a woman, one expects sensitivity towards women’s issues. But this incident reeks of insensitivity and cruelty. The victim’s own statement makes it clear that the entire vicious cycle of gang-rape is state-sponsored,” Patra said.
He further alleged that the attack was politically motivated, highlighting Manojit Mishra’s past association as a student union secretary with the TMC. Patra also condemned TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s controversial comment on the case, stating it reflected the party’s dismissive attitude toward such heinous crimes.
“The victim was brutally beaten with a hockey stick. What happened is beyond horrifying. TMC leaders like Kalyan Banerjee are making irresponsible remarks, asking, ‘What can be done if a classmate rapes his friend?’ Such statements are shameful,” Patra added.
The BJP has constituted a fact-finding committee to visit the college and assess the situation. The committee includes former Union Ministers Satpal Singh and Meenakshi Lekhi, as well as MPs Biplab Deb and Manan Mishra. They will submit a report to BJP National President JP Nadda.
“We’re not seeking clarification. We are demanding that Mamata Banerjee apologise to the people of Bengal and step down as Chief Minister,” Patra said.
In the latest development, Kolkata Police arrested the college guard, Pinaki Banerjee (55), in connection with the case. This follows the earlier arrest of three accused — Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20) — all of whom are former students or staff members of the college.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in Kolkata’s Kasba area, has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties accusing the ruling government of failing to ensure the safety of women. The accused have been remanded in police custody for further investigation.
