Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | 29 June 2025 | Kolkata : West Bengal’s political atmosphere has been roiled following the alleged gang rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in the Kasba area on June 25, sparking public outrage and protests across the state.
Amid mounting criticism, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday took disciplinary action against senior party leader and Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra for his “insensitive” and “victim-blaming” remarks related to the incident.
In an official show cause notice issued by TMC state president and Rajya Sabha MP Subrata Bakshi, the party demanded a written explanation from Mitra within three days, citing a serious breach of party discipline.
“Your unwanted, unnecessary, and insensitive comments on 28 June 2025 in this regard have hurt the image of our party in every way. At the same time, your comments have gone against the strict stand of the party,” the letter stated.
Mitra’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
The controversy erupted after Mitra suggested that the incident could have been avoided if the victim had not gone to the location alone.
His comments, made to the media on Saturday, were widely condemned for blaming the victim.
“This incident has sent a message to girls that if someone calls you when the college is closed… nothing good will come of it. If that girl had not gone there, this wouldn’t have happened. If she had informed someone before going or had taken a couple of friends with her, then this wouldn’t have happened,” Mitra said.
The remarks were quickly denounced across social media and civil society, with many accusing the legislator of promoting regressive and patriarchal narratives.
Reacting promptly, the Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Mitra’s comments, issuing a public statement on its official social media platforms, stating that the MLA’s remarks were “completely unacceptable and contrary to the party’s values.”
The post reiterated the party’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and reaffirmed its support for the victim.
Party Image and Disciplinary Action
TMC sources revealed that the leadership was deeply concerned that Mitra’s remarks had not only undermined public confidence in the party’s stated commitment to women’s safety but also compromised the party’s unified response to the tragic incident.
“A very heinous and extremely sad incident has taken place against a law student in the town of Kolkata. The top leadership of the party has expressed special sorrow over this very sensitive incident…
The miscreants have been identified and arrested promptly,” the party’s letter noted.
While this is not the first time Madan Mitra has attracted controversy, the timing and nature of his comments have added to the gravity of the situation, especially as the law-and-order situation remains under scrutiny. Case Update
The 22-year-old female law student was allegedly lured and gang-raped inside the premises of South Calcutta Law College on the evening of June 25. The Kolkata Police have arrested three accused, including the primary perpetrator.
A five-member special investigation team has been constituted to probe the case, and forensic experts have examined the scene of the crime. Public demonstrations and candlelight vigils have since been held across the city, demanding swift justice and stronger security measures for women.
What’s Next for Mitra?
The ball is now in Madan Mitra’s court. His response to the show cause notice will determine whether further disciplinary action—such as suspension or expulsion—will be taken by the party.
The episode has once again highlighted the importance of accountability in public statements, particularly on issues as sensitive as sexual violence.
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