TMC Leaders Make Insensitive, Victim-Blaming Remarks on Kolkata Rape Case

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued a show-cause notice to party MLA Madan Mitra over his controversial remarks related to the recent rape of a law student in Kolkata. The MLA from Kamarhati has been asked to explain his comments within three days.

Mitra sparked outrage when he questioned the survivor's actions, saying, “Why did she go there?” He further stated that the student was assaulted because she went near the accused persons and added, “If she was going alone, she should have informed someone or gone with friends.”

The comments drew severe criticism, with many accusing the legislator of victim-blaming. In response, the TMC sought a formal explanation from Mitra, distancing itself from his remarks.

Earlier, senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee also courted controversy with his own comments on the case. Banerjee questioned, “What can someone do if a friend rapes their own friend?” He added, “This is an act committed by one student against another. Who is responsible for her protection? Should police be stationed in schools? Who is committing these crimes? Some men are. Whom should women fight against?”

Banerjee went on to say, “The perpetrators must be punished, that’s my belief. But unless men change their mindset, nothing will improve. Such incidents will keep repeating.” Both statements have intensified public debate in West Bengal, with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding accountability and more sensitivity from public representatives.