Days after publicly criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks on women’s safety, the father of the 22-year-old MBBS student allegedly gangraped in Durgapur has now appealed to her with folded hands. He described Banerjee as a “mother-like figure” on Wednesday and sought her forgiveness, urging her to ensure justice for his daughter.
Speaking to PTI, the victim’s father said, "Mamata Banerjee is like a mother-like figure to me. If I have said anything wrong, I ask her to forgive me. I will render countless obeisance at her feet. But I ask her to help my daughter get justice.”
"I have been demanding a CBI probe into this case. I think that would be good. But that depends on the state administration as well," he added.
Earlier on Monday, the survivor's father stated that, "She (Mamata Banerjee) is also a woman. How can she say such an irresponsible thing? Should women quit their jobs and sit at home? It seems Bengal is under the rule of Aurangzeb."
He further expressed a loss of faith in West Bengal's law and order situation and said he wanted to take his daughter back to Odisha for her safety. "I want to take my daughter back to Odisha. Her life comes first, her career later," he added.
How did the controversy begin?
The controversy began when Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the media about the Durgapur incident, said, “I learned that she was outside the campus at 12.30 am. Students residing in hostels should refrain from venturing out at night. Private medical colleges must ensure the safety of their students, particularly female students. Girls should protect themselves as well.”
Her statement triggered widespread outrage, with opposition leaders, women’s rights groups, and even the Odisha government accusing her of victim-blaming. Many argued that her remarks shifted responsibility from the perpetrators to the victim.
In response to the backlash, the Chief Minister later clarified that her comments had been “distorted and taken out of context.” She said, “The media distorted my words. You ask me a question, I answer it, and then you distort it. Do not try this kind of politics.”
The 22-year-old MBBS student was allegedly gangraped on October 10 after she stepped out of her medical college campus with a male friend to get food. Police have arrested six individuals, including the friend, in connection with the assault.
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