The Durgapur rape case has sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal after BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of deliberately distorting facts related to this case. The case, which concerns the alleged rape and murder of a young medical student, has shocked the state and drawn national outrage throughout India.
Mamata Banerjee’s comment regarding the victim being “out at 12:30 a.m.” was aimed at denigrating the situation, and it was immediately met with outrage from the public and others involved with the case. Amit Malviya and others questioned her judgment, calling her comments insensitive and disingenuous. The timeline presented by Mamata Banerjee was entirely inaccurate for the medical college where the case was unfolding.
Malviya asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would expose what he refers to as “Mamata Banerjee’s 12:30 lie…” He also condemned the Trinamool Congress chief for trying to shift focus and blame in the case by questioning the victim’s behaviour. He emphasised how this line of questioning diminishes the severity of this crime and belittles the dignity of the victim.
BJP vs. TMC: The Political Fallout
After Malviya made his comments, BJP leaders sharpened their criticism and accused the TMC government of failing to protect women and of covering up the truth. They called for a transparent investigation into the situation as they questioned the government’s efforts to spin the story.
At the same time, TMC leaders weighed in with their defence of Banerjee, suggesting the comment was “taken out of context” and arguing that the Chief Minister’s intent was to simply remind of the need for awareness of safety. Nonetheless, the damage was done: social media was inundated with condemnation of Banerjee’s statement and calls for accountability from state leadership.
Public Outrage and Demand for Justice
Public anger levels have continued to rise across West Bengal. Student groups, women’s rights activists, and members of opposition parties have organised protests asking for severe punishment for the accused and fair treatment for the victim’s family. The news coverage is once again embedding the discussion surrounding women’s safety versus the treatment of politically sensitive criminal cases.
The Durgapur rape case has become more than a criminal case — it has become a political issue. Assuming the statement comes back up, the political rivalry between Mamata Banerjee and the TMC and Amit Malviya of the BJP has intensified. As the case continues, the people of Bengal are clearly watching, hoping justice wins out over politics.
