Father of Durgapur Rape Survivor Calls Mamata Banerjee "Mother-Like Figure" After Initial Criticism

The father of the Durgapur gang rape victim has made a significant change in his stance regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, now describing her as a "mother-like figure" just days after criticizing her leadership.

In his latest statement to television channels on Wednesday, he expressed remorse for his previous comments and appealed for forgiveness from the Chief Minister. "Mamata Banerjee is like a mother-like figure to me. If I have said anything wrong, I ask her to forgive me. I will render countless obeisance at her feet. But I ask her to help my daughter get justice," he stated.

This marks a significant shift from his remarks on Monday when he had likened Bengal to being under "Aurangzeb's rule" and expressed concerns about safety in the state following Banerjee's controversial advice that "women should not venture out at night." At that time, he had declared his intention to take his daughter back to Odisha, prioritizing her safety over her education.

The father, whose daughter is from Odisha, now says he will only take her home once medical professionals confirm she is fit to travel. He continues to advocate for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, though he acknowledges this decision ultimately rests with state authorities.

The case involves his daughter, a second-year MBBS student, who was allegedly gang-raped on October 10 when she left her private medical college campus with a male friend to get food. Police have arrested six individuals in connection with this crime, including her friend, and the incident has triggered substantial political controversy across West Bengal.

Throughout this ordeal, the father's primary concern remains securing justice for his daughter while navigating the complex political landscape surrounding the case.