Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has caused huge controversy with his comments on the gang-rape of a 24-year-old first-year student in South Calcutta Law College. His words, which were widely seen as insensitive and flippant, have attracted fierce criticism from the opposition BJP in West Bengal and rekindled debate over political connections and institutional responsibility.

“Who Will Protect Her?” Kalyan Banerjee Sparks Debate

Replying to queries from the media, Sreerampur Lok Sabha MP Mr Banerjee stated, “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)?”

Kalyan Banerjee Denies Party Links to Accused

When questioned regarding the accused’s relationship with Trinamool’s student wing, Mr Kalyan Banerjee distanced the party from the act and stated, “I don’t say the same thing repeatedly, still the same thing. Whoever has done it should be put behind bars right now. If a friend rapes his friend, how can it be called corruption? The safety and security situation is the same everywhere. So long as the attitude of men is like this, such activities will continue to happen. You (reporter) have a political inclination, that is why you have come with this mic to ask your question.”

Survivor’s Shocking Allegations

The gang-rape is said to have happened on Wednesday night within the South Calcutta Law College campus. The survivor was allegedly taken to a guard’s room next to the student union office by three guys — Monojit Mishra, a 31-year-old ex-student and criminal lawyer, and two students who are currently studying there, Zaib Ahmed (19) and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20).

She claimed she was trapped in her quarters, raped by Mishra in front of the others and assisted by them. Her complaint contains shocking details: beaten with a hockey stick, refused an inhaler when she had a panic attack, and told she would be killed if she complained.

A medicolegal report authenticated the rape, verifying injuries, bite marks, scratches, and penile penetration by force.

Police Investigation and Arrests

All three accused have been arrested and remanded to four days of police custody. Their cell phones have been taken into custody and are being put through forensic analysis. The investigators are scanning for any video footage, since the survivor claimed the assault was captured on camera.

BJP Accuses TMC of Shielding Rapists

The political war escalated after pictures were leaked with Mishra and Trinamool top brass, including MP Abhishek Banerjee and Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. The BJP labelled it a case of “political protection for rapists.”

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called for statewide agitations and asked the ruling party to stop keeping mum on the political connections of Mishra.

TMC Tries Damage Control

Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja reacted to the media, saying, “We don’t politicise the agony of a woman. The police have done their job. The accused won’t be spared, regardless of allegiance.”

She also aimed the BJP for obstructing the Aparajita Bill, which seeks the death penalty for rape in West Bengal, “Don’t speak of respect for women while obstructing the law that will give them protection.”

TMCP state president Trinankur Bhattacharya also clarified Mishra’s position in the student wing, “He was in a post in 2019. How could we possibly know what he would do in 2025? Were we fortune tellers? He is now not on any committee. But what party he belongs to is not the point. He is a rapist, he must be brought to justice.”