Father of Durgapur Rape Victim Seeks Justice from CM

NEW DELHI: The father of the Durgapur gang rape victim has expressed regret for his earlier criticism of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her a "mother-like figure" and asking for her help in securing justice for his daughter. He stated, "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."

His comments come after he had previously condemned Banerjee's remarks suggesting that women should avoid going out at night. The victim, a second-year MBBS student, was assaulted on October 10 after leaving her college campus with a male friend.

The father has been advocating for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, stating, "I think that would be good. But that depends on the state administration as well." He also expressed his concerns about the safety of his daughter, saying, "I want to take my daughter back to Odisha. Her life comes first, her career later."

Banerjee's comments, made during a media briefing, included advice for female students to refrain from venturing out at night and emphasized the responsibility of private medical colleges to ensure student safety. She defended the police, stating it was impractical for officers to monitor everyone's movements.

These remarks have faced backlash from opposition leaders, women's rights groups, and the Odisha government, who accused her of victim-blaming. In response to the criticism, Banerjee claimed her words were "distorted and taken out of context," urging the media to refrain from politicizing the issue.

The case has led to significant public outrage, with six individuals, including the male friend of the victim, arrested in connection with the incident. The situation continues to raise serious concerns about women's safety in West Bengal.