"What Can Be Done If Friend Rapes Friend": Trinamool MP On Kolkata Horror

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee's remarks on the rape of a 24-year-old student at South Calcutta Law College have triggered sharp condemnation by the opposition BJP in West Bengal. Mr Banerjee, MP from Sreerampur, responded to queries about the case with comments that were described as "disgraceful" by the BJP. 

"What can be done if a friend rapes his friend. Will the police be in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her (victim)?" Mr Banerjee asked, adding, "Who does all this criminality and molestation? Some men do it. So, who should women fight against? Women should fight against these perverted men."

The remarks have drawn criticism for appearing to deflect institutional accountability. Mr Banerjee refused to address links between the main accused and the Trinamool Congress's student wing, insisting that crime was not confined to any party or organisation.

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