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Rape in Kolkata law college: BJP alleges ‘TMC allows criminals in educational institutes’, ruling party says ‘Aparajita Bill needed’

While BJP state president Sukanta Majumder alleged 'the police did not take firm action; and 'such incidents happen across the state', TMC vice-president Jayprakash Majumder called rape a 'social malice' that 'should be fought unitedly', stating that the police 'made prompt arrests'.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. (Express Photo/Partha Paul)

The rape case of a woman in the premises of a Kolkata law college, registered on Friday, has sparked a political row, with the BJP-led Opposition invoking the R G Kar rape and murder case in August last year.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumder said, “This has happened for the second time in Kolkata where in a educational institute, a student was raped. The TMC gave lease to some criminals in educational institutes. This incident came to light, but such incidents are happening across the state… The police are not firmly taking action because the culprits are close to the TMC. Here, I have heard the main accused also threatened her parents. We say: if anyone threatens your child, come to us, we will give full legal support.”

Also Read | Ex-TMC student leader among 3 arrested for ‘raping student inside law college in Kolkata’

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, “Police can’t be deployed at every college. Male colleagues should be alert and save their female colleagues. Some perverted persons are committing such crimes. Strong action should be taken against them. On the other hand, women should also stand against such crimes.” Meanwhile, Jayprakash Majumder, vice-president of TMC told mediapersons, “This is a social malice. We all condemn the incident. We should all fight against this unitedly. This is not the time for blame games. Kolkata police has made a prompt arrest and justice will be served.”

BJP state president Sukanta Majumder said, “This has happened for the second time in Kolkata where in a educational institute, a student was raped.” (Express Photo/Partha Paul)

The Trinamool Congress also took to X, stating: “We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at (the college). Kolkata Police have swiftly apprehended all three accused, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear, ensuring the most severe measures are imposed on those found guilty… This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the BJP government at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented.”

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said, “Police can’t be deployed at every college. Male colleagues should be alert and save their female colleagues. (Express Photo/Partha Paul)

State secretary of SFI Debanjan Dey alleged that “the main culprit… is a known criminal of Kalighat. Many cases are pending against him. Even after that, he was given a job at this college. Why didn’t the police take action against him?”

The TMC continued in its post, “… Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The state administration, under Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamaa Banerjee, is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served.”

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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