Durgapur gangrape: 'Cannot say West Bengal is safe', says Governor Ananda Bose, targets Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose targeted the Mamata Banerjee government over the alleged gang-rape of an MBBS student in Durgapur on Monday. Dismissing the Trinamool Congress government's claims, Bose outrightly said he "lacked confidence to say West Bengal is safe."

 

The governor travelled to Paschim Bardhaman on Monday and met with the victim's family. Saying West Bengal needs a "second renaissance", Governor Bose said all steps would be taken to ensure justice for the victim.

 

"This is a very shocking incident and it is not that this has happened for the first time. Steps have to be taken to ward off similar instances in future. This has to be looked into seriously, and action has to be taken," Bose stressed.

 

Saying such incidents even occurred in the recent past, Bose said West Bengal needs a "second renaissance." Saying the state must be made safe for every girl child, the governor added, "I cannot say with confidence that Bengal is safe. We have to own up to responsibility and see that justice is given to the victim."

 

The governor's charge comes amid comments against the Durgapur gang-rape victim, blaming her for venturing out in the night. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned why the victim stepped out of the hostel at 12.30am.   

 

The 23-year-old Odisha student studying at a private medical college in Durgapur, was allegedly gangraped in a jungle near the college during the late hours of Friday. The victim had reportedly stepped out of campus to have dinner with friends. Police have so far arrested five persons in the case.

 

India