NEW DELHI: Days after sharply criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks on women’s safety, the father of the Durgapur gang rape victim on Wednesday softened his stance, describing her as a “mother-like figure” and seeking her forgiveness while urging her to help secure justice for his daughter.
Speaking to television channels, the victim’s father said, “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 reiterated his demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, saying it would be in the best interest of fairness, but added that “the decision lies with the state administration.”
Victim’s father retracts earlier criticism
The change in tone comes just days after the victim’s father had publicly criticised the Chief Minister for her controversial comments implying that women should not go out at night.
On Monday, he had said, “She (Mamata Banerjee) is also a woman. How can she say such an irresponsible thing? Should women quit their jobs and sit at home? It seems Bengal is under the rule of Aurangzeb.”
Expressing anguish and fear over his daughter’s safety, he had also said he wanted to take her back to Odisha. “I want to take my daughter back to Odisha. Her life comes first, her career later,” he had remarked earlier this week.
Mamata Banerjee’s comment sparks backlash
The controversy began after Mamata Banerjee, while addressing reporters on the Durgapur gang rape case, said that she had learned the student was “outside the campus at 12.30 am.” She advised that “students residing in hostels should refrain from venturing out at night” and that “private medical colleges must ensure the safety of their students, particularly female students, who should not be permitted to leave the premises at night.”
Banerjee added, “Girls should protect themselves as well.”
Defending the police, she said it was not possible for officers to monitor everyone’s movements or guard every household. Her comments, however, triggered widespread criticism from opposition leaders, women’s rights activists, and even the Odisha government, who accused her of victim-blaming.
Political reactions and public outrage
Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, condemned Banerjee’s remarks, calling them insensitive and regressive. Women’s groups and social activists said the Chief Minister’s comments shifted the blame onto the victim rather than addressing systemic failures in ensuring women’s safety.
The Odisha government also took note of the remarks, terming them “deeply unfortunate,” especially since the victim hails from Odisha.
The incident has reignited a broader debate over women’s safety and state accountability in West Bengal. Protests have been reported in Durgapur, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar, with demonstrators demanding strict punishment for the accused and greater institutional protection for women students.
Mamata Banerjee clarifies her stance
Facing mounting criticism, Mamata Banerjee later clarified that her comments were being “distorted and taken out of context.”
“The media distorted my words. You ask me a question, I answer it, and then you distort it. Do not try this kind of politics,” she said.
She maintained that her remarks were intended to highlight the need for colleges to strengthen security measures and not to place blame on the survivor.
Investigation so far
The 22-year-old MBBS student from a private medical college in Durgapur was allegedly gang-raped on October 10 after she stepped out of her campus late at night with a male friend to get food.
Police have arrested six persons, including the friend, in connection with the case. They are currently in judicial custody.
The West Bengal Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case, while forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene and the victim’s hostel. The Odisha government has also sought updates on the investigation, given that the victim is a resident of the state.
Demand for a CBI probe
The victim’s family has consistently demanded a CBI investigation, expressing doubts about the fairness of a state-led probe. “I have been demanding a CBI probe into this case. I think that would be good. But that depends on the state administration as well,” the father reiterated on Wednesday.
He added that his only priority is justice for his daughter, appealing directly to the Chief Minister to ensure that the culprits are punished.
Conclusion
The emotional appeal from the victim’s father marks a significant shift in tone from confrontation to conciliation, as he now looks to Mamata Banerjee for support in ensuring justice. The Durgapur rape case continues to stir public outrage across the country, renewing calls for stronger safety measures and accountability from authorities.