Durgapur, West Bengal : In the gang r@pe case of 23 year 23-year-old medical student from Odisha, the police have finally arrested three accused: Apu Bauri (21), Firdous Shiekh (23) & Sheikh Riazuddin (32). At least one more person is on the run.
In what has now become a pattern, the horrific crime was met with insensitive comments from CM Mamata Banerjee. CM Banerjee has a long record of doubting victims and victim-blaming. For example..
The Park Street Rape (2012): She dismissed the gang rape as a “sajano ghotona” (a fabricated incident) intended to defame her government.
The Kamduni Rape and Murder (2013): She shouted at women protesting the crime, accusing them of being Maoist or opposition party cadres.
The Madhyamgram Rape and Murder (2014): She questioned the character of the teenage victim after she was murdered, suggesting a personal affair was involved.
The Hanskhali (Nadia) Rape and Murder (2022): She publicly questioned if the minor victim was raped or if it was a “prem-er ghotona” (love affair), suggesting the girl was in a relationship with the accused.
The Sandeshkhali Allegations (2024): She initially dismissed the sexual assault allegations by suggesting the women making complaints were being prompted and “tutored” by the BJP.
Should we expect better from women politicians at least?
