Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday disassociated itself from the victim-blaming remarks made by its MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a first-year law student at South Calcutta Law College.

“The remarks made by MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra concerning the heinous crime at South Calcutta Law College were made in their personal capacities. The party unequivocally disassociates itself from their statements and strongly condemns the same,” the TMC said on its official X handle, asserting that such views do not reflect the party’s position.

Reiterating its stance, the party said it maintained “zero tolerance for crimes against women” and demanded the “strictest possible punishment” for those involved.

Opposition targets TMC amid backlash

The BJP was quick to seize on the controversy, highlighting the alleged involvement of a former TMC student leader and sharing photos of the accused with senior party functionaries, including National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.

The saffron party intensified its attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led government, especially after Banerjee and Mitra made remarks perceived as shifting blame onto the victim.

Banerjee and Mitra’s remarks trigger outrage

Kalyan Banerjee, speaking to the media on Saturday, appeared to downplay the role of law enforcement, saying, “Nothing will change until the mentality of people changes. The change can’t be brought through law or police.”

When asked about safety measures in educational institutions, he responded, “How can police be posted inside an education institution for security? Classmates, who should provide security inside the campus, are raping! Then who should be blamed?”

Madan Mitra, meanwhile, courted criticism after reportedly telling ANI, “This incident has sent a message to girls that if someone calls you when the college is closed offering you a position in the unit, then don't go, nothing good will come of it. If that girl had not gone there, this wouldn't have happened.”

Four arrested in connection with the crime

The law student was allegedly raped on June 25 inside the South Calcutta Law College campus in Kolkata’s Kasba area.

The accused include Manojit Mishra, 31, a former leader of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and now a practising lawyer, along with two students: Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20) and Zaib Ahmed (19).

On Saturday, the police also arrested Pinaki Banerjee, a 55-year-old security guard at the college. CCTV footage allegedly showed him outside the guard’s room while the crime was taking place.

Medical report confirms signs of assault

A preliminary medical report has noted abrasions on the victim’s neck and chest. While no external genital or oral injuries were detected, doctors have not ruled out sexual assault pending forensic confirmation, according to a report accessed by NDTV.

SIT formed, CM Mamata Banerjee silent

In response to mounting public anger, the Kolkata Police has constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
Despite the gravity of the case and the involvement of a functionary with links to the ruling party, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not commented on the matter so far.