Mamata Banerjee Claims Media "Deliberately Distorted" Her Durgapur Gang Rape Comments Amid BJP Criticism

Kolkata:

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who faced criticism for her comments on the Durgapur gang rape case that the BJP claimed was victim shaming, strongly responded to the media today, asserting that her remarks were misreported and "deliberately distorted".

"My address at Dum Dum Airport has been deliberately distorted. You ask me a question, and when I answer, my words are twisted and taken out of context. Do not try this nasty politics with me," the Chief Minister stated firmly.

"Unlike others, I have the decency to meet you and speak directly. Others merely respond to pre-decided questions," she further emphasized.

Earlier today, the Chief Minister had questioned why the young engineering student had been outside her hostel after midnight.

"She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night?" she had inquired in her initial media statement following the incident.

Read: "How Was She Out At 12.30 am?" Mamata Banerjee's Shocker After Gang Rape

While describing the incident as shocking, the Chief Minister had also mentioned that Bengal police were implementing all necessary measures in response.

The BJP criticized Ms. Banerjee, claiming she was engaging in victim-blaming rather than ensuring justice.

"Shameless @MamataOfficial a blot on womanhood, even more for being a CM. After RG Kar and Sandeshkhali, now this horrific case and instead of justice, she blames the victim!" BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia wrote in a post on X.

The victim, a second-year student from Jaleswar, Odisha, has been pursuing an MBBS course at a private medical college in Durgapur. On Friday night, while she was out with a friend, some men approached them. They forcibly took the woman to a secluded area and raped her.

Devastated by the incident, the woman's father has expressed his intention to take her back to Odisha, citing concerns about her safety in Bengal.

"My daughter is in pain. She can't walk right now. She is bedridden. I am concerned about her safety here. They could kill her any moment. That's why we want to take her back to Odisha. Trust has been lost. We don't want her to stay in Bengal. She will pursue her education in Odisha," he stated.