Bengal: Man Arrested for Alleged Rape of Minor in Abandoned Hooghly Factory; BJP Slams TMC Citing Accused’s Links to Party

Previously, the accused had faced accusations of intimidation. In one instance, he reportedly threatened a local fish farmer in a recorded audio clip, while another involved menacing a businessman in Hindmotor. On both occasions, he identified himself as holding a leadership role in a youth wing, specifically as the vice-president or co-president of the Uttarpara City Youth Trinamool.

Since the incident has surfaced, political ramifications have emerged. Photographs of the accused alongside prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) figures from Uttarpara and Hooghly have proliferated on social media platforms, fuelling allegations of his proximity to the ruling party.

Opposition parties have seized on these developments to criticise the state administration. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the TMC of fostering an environment of impunity among its affiliates.

BJP spokesperson Indranil Dutta remarked, "A culture of criminal impunity has taken root among lower-tier workers due to backing from the ruling party's upper echelons, resulting in such occurrences." He further added, "They believe they can act with impunity simply because they align with TMC!"

In protest, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) organised a blockade on GT Road outside Uttarpara police station, demanding the prompt capture of the remaining suspects.

TMC representatives have distanced the party from the matter. Hooghly Srirampur Youth President Priyanka Adhikari commented, "Merely appearing in photos with leaders does not confer an official role, and the legal system will proceed independently."

Local TMC leader Kalachand Bandyopadhyay reinforced this stance, saying, "As our party holds power, wrongdoers may attempt to infiltrate. We will pursue rigorous legal action against the culprits. Moreover, the party does not endorse or direct such misconduct."

The accused had also previously claimed to be a civic volunteer, though TMC officials maintain he holds no formal position and that the party condemns such behaviour. Evidence of his attendance at party events exists, but leaders insist this does not imply official affiliation.​