Controversy erupts over TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's statement on the gang-rape case of a law student in Kolkata. The BJP and the opposition have criticized the statement. The MP has clarified his stance.
Kolkata: The gang-rape incident at a law college in the Kasba area of Kolkata has shaken the politics of West Bengal. A statement by Trinamool Congress (TMC) senior MP Kalyan Banerjee in this regard has sparked a new controversy. The BJP and other opposition parties have launched a sharp attack on his statement, calling it an insult to the dignity of women.
Kalyan Banerjee's controversial statement
Speaking to the media about the incident, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, "If a friend rapes a friend, what can we do?" He further stated that the matter concerns students of the college and that police presence is not possible in colleges or schools at all times.
He said, "This is a government law college. The college administration is not part of the government. Can the police be stationed inside the college at all times? This incident is between some students. Not all men are like that."
Political parties protest
Following the TMC MP's statement, the BJP has reacted sharply. The West Bengal BJP posted on the social media platform X, "TMC MP is supporting the accused of rape. A student in Kasba was gang-raped by a TMC leader and his gang, and Kalyan Banerjee is calling the safety of women a political agenda."
BJP leaders allege that TMC leaders are taking a sensitive issue like rape lightly and showing sympathy towards the accused. The Congress and the Left parties have also criticized the statement and have demanded an answer from the state government.
Kalyan Banerjee clarifies
In view of the growing controversy over the statement, MP Kalyan Banerjee has clarified his position. He said, "My statement has been misrepresented by some media outlets. I do not support any kind of crime. I want all the culprits to be arrested and given strict punishment."
He further said that his intention was not to downplay any crime, but to point out that not all men are guilty and that the limitations of the system must be understood.
Investigation and arrests so far
So far, three accused have been arrested in this gang-rape case. The police presented all three in court on Friday, from where they were sent to four days of police custody. The police are investigating the matter seriously and are continuing to identify other accused and investigate their possible involvement.
