“What Can Be Done If Friend Rapes Friend?” – TMC MP’s Under Fire for Offensive Remark
Kalyan Banerjee’s controversial remark on the gang rape of a 24-year-old student sparks outrage across political lines; BJP and activists slam demands for an apology 28 June 2025, New Delhi...
Kalyan Banerjee’s controversial remark on the gang rape of a 24-year-old student sparks outrage across political lines; BJP and activists slam demands for an apology
28 June 2025, New Delhi
A shocking and deeply troubling comment by senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has sparked public anger and political condemnation after he reacted to the alleged gang rape of a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata with the words, “What can be done if a friend rapes a friend?”
The survivor, a student of South Calcutta Law College, was allegedly gang-raped earlier this week by a group of fellow students inside a private paying guest accommodation in South Kolkata. The Kolkata Police have arrested five accused, all reportedly from the same college, and an investigation is underway. The victim is receiving medical treatment and trauma support.
When reporters questioned Banerjee about the case, the Sreerampur MP responded, “Will police be posted in every school? This incident involved students. Who can protect her?” He further stated, “Crimes like this are committed by some men. So, who should women fight against? They must rise against such perverted men.”
The remark quickly drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and women’s rights groups, who called it “disrespectful, careless, and tone-deaf.” BJP’s West Bengal unit president Sukanta Majumdar condemned Banerjee’s response, saying, “Instead of standing with the survivor, TMC leaders are normalizing criminal behavior. Such conduct is shameful.”
Social media platforms were flooded with angry reactions, with many questioning how a senior leader could make such a dismissive statement amid growing concerns about campus safety and gender-based violence. Several activists called for a public apology and gender sensitization among political leaders.
Meanwhile, the police are continuing their investigation under Section 376D of the IPC (gang rape) and have assured that justice will be delivered swiftly. Law college officials have also been summoned to assist in the probe, and discussions are underway to improve safety guidelines for students staying in hostels and PGs.
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The case has reignited the debate around safety in educational institutions and the responsibility of public figures to speak with empathy and caution when addressing incidents of sexual assault. As outrage grows over Banerjee’s remarks, pressure is mounting on the Trinamool Congress to issue a formal clarification or take disciplinary action.
TMC MP comes out in support of rapists!
The outrage intensified after reports from Kasba, where a college student was allegedly gang-raped by a TMCP leader and his associates. Instead of addressing the seriousness of the incident, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee dismissed concerns over women’s safety as a “political agenda,” drawing comparisons to the RG Kar rape case, which had previously sparked the widespread “Raat Jago” protests across Bengal.
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