Bengal CM Mamata Clarifies ’12:30 AM’ Statement on Durgapur Rape

Following criticism over her remarks concerning a medical student’s alleged gang rape in Durgapur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has clarified her position, asserting her words were misrepresented. Banerjee criticized the media for allegedly distorting her statements and urged them to refrain from politicizing the grave incident. “You ask me a question, I answer it, and then you distort it. Do not try this kind of politics…” she stated, according to ANI. Earlier, the Chief Minister had expressed shock and called for stringent action against the perpetrators. She had also raised concerns about students, particularly girls, being outside their college premises late at night, questioning the circumstances of the victim being out at 12:30 AM and highlighting the responsibility of private medical colleges in ensuring student safety. The incident, which has drawn condemnation from various quarters, involves a student from Odisha studying at a private medical institution in Durgapur.