Mamata Banerjee Slams Durgapur Gang-Rape as 'Shocking,' Vows Strict Action While Urging Colleges to be Responsible

Banerjee swiftly pushed back against the narrative during her press interaction, asserting that her full statement had been "deliberately distorted" to fuel political agendas. She elaborated, "Everyone has the right to go wherever they want and whenever they want. But the college has some responsibility." Pointing to the institution's role in ensuring student safety, such as better lighting, security patrols, and she stressed that private entities cannot shirk accountability in loco parentis scenarios. To underscore her point, Banerjee referenced a recent triple rape case on a beach in Odisha, questioning, "A few days back, when three women were raped on the beach in Odisha, what action was taken? So let's not play politics."

The clarification appeared to temper some of the immediate backlash, with TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defending the chief minister by noting that her words were aimed at systemic reforms, not individual fault. Women's rights activists, while welcoming the arrests and promises of fast-track justice, called for broader measures like enhanced night surveillance in educational zones and gender-sensitivity training for campus security. The victim, currently receiving medical and psychological support, has been assured of comprehensive state assistance, including witness protection for her testimony.​