bjp-begins-six-day-dharna-in-durgapur-over-student-s-gang-rape

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a six-day sit-in protest on Monday in Durgapur, West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district, to protest the alleged gang-rape of a medical student at a private college in the industrial city. The dharna was inaugurated by Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, in the City Centre area.

 

Launching a sharp attack from the protest stage, Adhikari said: "We failed to protect our sister from Odisha and the CM of this state asks women to figure out their own protection." He alleged that one of the individuals arrested in connection with the crime is a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker. Adhikari accused the police of attempting to obstruct the agitation, including the erection of the stage, and vowed that the protest would continue for six days.

Earlier that day, Adhikari met the father of the rape survivor to express support and solidarity before bringing him to the protest stage.

 

Mamata Banerjee why are you trying to clarify your 'Outdated Medieval Dictat' that 'Girls should not be allowed to go outside at night'?
No one has distorted your words, the proof is annexed herewith.

Your words are an attempt to mask your failure as an Administrator. Victim… pic.twitter.com/a3kbHIyJyS

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 12, 2025

The Opposition seized on comments made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, when she advised female students to be "more careful about their own safety," citing this as an instance of blaming the victim. Other political groups, such as the SUCI, and a local doctors' forum have also held protests demanding justice.

The 23-year-old woman, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday night after she left the private medical college with a friend to get dinner.

 

Also read: Durgapur gang-rape remarks 'distorted for political gain': Mamata